Purple Heart Recipient Criticizes Graham Platner's Comments on PTSD

Pfc. Ted Daniels, a Purple Heart recipient wounded in Afghanistan, has publicly criticized Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner after comments linked to Platner resurfaced on Reddit. Daniels stated that PTSD does not excuse Platner's mocking remarks about him, which he described as embarrassing for veterans and others who deal with PTSD. The controversy arose from a Reddit comment attributed to Platner that referred to a video of Daniels in combat, where he was shot four times. Although the comment was deleted, it remains archived. Daniels emphasized that while he can empathize with Platner's struggles, he cannot excuse his behavior. He also noted that he has not received an apology from Platner or his team, suggesting that Platner should apologize to Gold Star families who have lost loved ones in combat. Platner has acknowledged his past online posts, stating that he does not agree with them and described his own experiences with PTSD and depression. Platner recently won the Democratic primary in Maine and is set to face Republican Senator Susan Collins in the upcoming election.