Maine Socialist Rifle Association
The Maine Socialist Rifle Association, also known as the Maine SRA, is the state chapter of the Socialist Rifle Association (SRA), a left-of-center firearms advocacy group that claims to promote “a supportive and inclusive community… [that can] rebuff against reactionary right-wing firearms culture.” 1 2
Contents
Maine SRA describes itself as “anti-fascist.” One of its most prominent alleged members is or was Maine Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner, who reportedly made Reddit posts promoting the group. 3 4 5
Background and Activities
The Maine Socialist Rifle Association is the state-based chapter of the Socialist Rifle Association (SRA), a left-of-center firearms advocacy and training organization. Maine SRA has members who engage in firearm safety, education, and training, and describes itself as “anti-fascist.” Maine SRA promotes LGBT identity movements and equates anti-fascism with “anti-homophobia.” 1 2 3 5
Maine SRA trains its members in military combat tactics, including marksmanship and handgun use, and claims to have a “significant amount of combat veterans and firearms instructors” who created its curriculum. 5
On November 6, 2024, the day of the 2024 presidential election, Maine SRA reposted a message on X that quoted Karl Marx stating “history is decided in the streets, not at the ballot box.” 6
On March 7, 2024, Maine SRA reposted a message on X calling Israel an “occupation regime” and called on the United States to get “out of Palestine.” 6
On February 4, 2024, Maine SRA hosted a “stop the bleed” training for its members. 6
On April 5, 2024, Maine SRA claimed the Portland, Maine, police department was “supporting and enabling white supremacist violence” by allegedly refusing to detain members of what Maine SRA argued was a neo-Nazi hate group that had allegedly assaulted Maine SRA members during a protest. 7
Maine SRA has previously hosted tables at local LGBT pride events and hosts an SRA pride month firearms range day. 6 5
Graham Platner
In October 2025, New England politics Substack the Robinson Report reported that ex-Marine Graham Platner, then running against Maine Governor Janet Mills (D) for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Maine, had allegedly instructed members of the Maine Socialist Rifle Association on firearm use and combat tactics. 5
According to social media posts Platner allegedly made under the handle “P-Hustle,” Platner participated in range days, helped develop “mutual aid networks,” hosted defensive handgun courses, hosts a monthly introduction to firearms course, and hosted an advanced firearm course for Maine SRA members. 5
Axios, a D.C.-based political news website, also reported that Platner had made posts promoting Maine SRA to Reddit forums. 4