US Veteran Wins Democratic Senate Primary After Controversy Over Former Tattoo
Platner, a political newcomer with progressive positions, secured about 75% of the vote, drawing strong backing from left-leaning Democrats and large crowds at campaign events. His campaign has included populist messaging, including calls to “topple the oligarchy” and criticism of his opponent, whom he referred to as part of the “Epstein class,” according to reports.
However, some Democrats have raised concerns about his electability due to past controversies.
Platner, who served multiple military tours in Iraq as a US Marine and later in Afghanistan with the National Guard, previously had a tattoo featuring the Totenkopf emblem, a skull symbol historically associated with Nazi units.
He has stated that he was unaware of the symbol’s meaning when he received the tattoo in 2007 in Croatia while intoxicated alongside fellow service members. He described it as “a terrifying-looking skull and crossbones,” and noted that military regulations prohibit tattoos that are “extremist, racist, sexist, or otherwise indecent.”
In October 2025, he covered the tattoo with a new design featuring a Celtic knot and a wolf-like figure. Some critics argued that similar Nordic-inspired imagery has been appropriated by far-right groups, according to reports.
Platner has rejected any association with extremist ideology, stating that if he had understood the symbol’s meaning, he would never have had it in the first place. He also describes himself as anti-fascist, according to reports.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
