Graham Platner, the scandal-filled Maine leftist who came under fire over a Nazi tattoo and faces allegations of rape and sexual harassment, suspended his Senate campaign Wednesday after Democrats mounted a pressure campaign to force him out of the race.
He announced his decision in an 11-minute video released on social media.
Platner announced he was ending his candidacy and would leave the process of selecting a new nominee to party leaders, despite having won the nomination decisively.
&#8220;We believe that for the movement to continue, it can&#8217;t be me,&#8221; Platner said. &#8220;And for that reason, we are suspending campaign operations.&#8221;
&#8220;I have faced some very serious allegations, and I just want to make it clear, this is all false,&#8221; he added. &#8220;The things that have been claimed did not happen. It&#8217;s not real.&#8221;
He said that he is prepared to file the paperwork to formally withdraw from the race.
It marks a stunning fall from grace for the Bernie Sanders-backed oyster farmer, who leaned on a working-class, populist message to catapult himself onto the national political stage and buck his party&#8217;s unpopular establishment wing. Last July, two Bernie Sanders-aligned political operatives hunted for a Democrat to challenge Collins, ultimately landing on and recruiting Platner. His rapid rise dealt a major blow to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), who had recruited Janet Mills, the current Democratic governor of Maine.
Platner&#8217;s exit upends a key Senate race and throws a wrench into Democrats&#8217; efforts to regain control of the Senate in November. Democrats nationwide had urged Platner to drop out ahead of a July 13 deadline so the party could install a new nominee to challenge incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
It’s unclear who will replace Platner. Many party officials, however, have pointed to Troy Jackson, a former Maine State Senator and Platner ally.
Jackson, who enthusiastically backed Platner’s candidacy, called for him to drop out and launched an exploratory committee to potentially replace his friend on the ballot, according to <a href="https://x.com/yashar/status/2074548332576587788?s=20">FEC filings</a>.
Initially, Platner <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/graham-platner-has-a-price-for-dropping-out-report?author=Jacob+Wheeler&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=2&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Graham+Platner+Has+A+Price+For+Dropping+Out%3A+Report">reportedly resisted</a> demands to suspend his campaign, insisting that he — not Democratic leaders — choose his successor. In an extraordinary statement, the Maine Democratic Party on Tuesday accused the leftist campaign of trying to “put their thumb on the scale.” 
“Unfortunately, Graham Platner’s team has repeatedly reached out to us in an attempt to put their thumb on the scale of what this process looks like,” Maine Democratic Party Executive Director Devon Murphy-Anderson said. “We have repeatedly reiterated to Graham Platner’s team that they have no role in determining our next Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate, nor in determining what this process looks like.”
The campaign pushed back, telling NBC: “While Graham wouldn’t want to be a part of the process, he would want to make sure the voters and volunteers make this decision — not the political establishment.”
Platner’s campaign unraveled over the 4th of July weekend following explosive allegations of rape and sexual assault. 
<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/06/graham-platner-sexual-assault-allegation-00987737">Politico</a> interviewed 41-year-old Maine resident Jenny Racicot, who accused Platner of breaking into her house in 2021 and sexually assaulting her. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2026/07/06/us/graham-platner-racicot-allegation-maine-invs?cid=ios_app">CNN</a> released an interview with Racicot, who described the alleged assault as rape. The Senate hopeful has repeatedly called allegations of nonconsensual sex “categorically false.” 
On Tuesday, another ex-girlfriend accused Platner of repeatedly removing condoms without her consent during sex, according to a report by <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/07/07/ex-girlfriend-graham-platner-says-he-removed-condoms-without-consent/?utm_campaign=wp_main&amp;utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_medium=social">The Washington Post</a>, which he denied.
Within hours, Platner’s support among leftists and Democrats alike began to evaporate. Schumer called on Platner to drop out, describing the rape allegations as “incredibly disturbing.”
“The DSCC will not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remains on the ballot,” Schumer said in a statement with fellow Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). 
Vermont socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders and leftist streamer Hasan Piker, who had repeatedly defended Platner through previous scandals, also joined the chorus calling for him to step aside. The Nazi tattoo, infidelity, and disparaging Reddit posts against women, veterans, and rural voters did not appear to cross their red line.
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/see-it-graham-platner-has-active-profile-on-predators-paradise-messaging-app" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Wire previously uncovered</a> that the Senate hopeful maintained an active account on a social media platform known to attract child predators.
Despite the turmoil, prediction markets still favor Democrats to win the seat against Republican Sen. Susan Collins, who acknowledged that the political firestorm surrounding the race is beyond her control.
“These allegations are appalling,” Collins <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/dems-ditch-platner-over-rape-claims?author=Jacob+Wheeler&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=4&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Dems+Ditch+Platner+Over+Rape+Claims">said</a> in a statement. “Nevertheless, it is not up to me to choose the Democratic nominee for Senate,” Sen. Collins said in response to the scandal.

Graham Platner

Platner Caves, Suspends Senate Campaign

graham platner

News

Under intense pressure to drop out, the Graham Platner campaign is digging in, accusing the Democratic establishment of working behind the scenes to install a replacement nominee.
In a mass text message to supporters, Ben Chin, campaign manager for Graham Platner, accused the Democratic Party of working against the will of Maine voters.
Chin insisted that the campaign has never been about Platner, rather “a movement of working class people” united to defeat incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins.
“If the Maine Democratic Party hopes to harness our movement and avoid disillusioning the hundreds of thousands of supporters who came into the fray because of our movement’s policies, it must consult the feedback and proposals of the people who built and sustained this,” Chin said in the text message.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
NEW: Ben Chin, campaign manager for Graham Platner in <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/MESEN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#MESEN</a>, blasted out a mass text
Chin slams the Maine Dem Party for allowing the DSCC to send staffers to plan &#8220;a nominating process behind closed doors&#8221;
It also includes a Survey Monkey link for feedback? <a href="https://t.co/uFY0MgtSQ4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pic.twitter.com/uFY0MgtSQ4</a>
— Ally Mutnick (@allymutnick) <a href="https://x.com/allymutnick/status/2074916012487565408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">July 8, 2026</a></blockquote>
The Maine Democratic Party shot back Wednesday afternoon, writing, “While the Platner campaign remains focused on distracting from the job of defeating Susan Collins in November with false accusations against us, the Maine Democratic Party remains hyper focused on developing a representative, transparent, and inclusive process to select a new nominee when he chooses to withdraw from the race.&#8221;
&#8220;While we may be frustrated with Graham Platner’s continued efforts to manipulate this process, we are so thankful for his supporters and all of their efforts to defeat Susan Collins — they are a vital part of our Party and deserve to participate in an open process to select Platner’s replacement,&#8221; Maine Democrats <a href="https://x.com/mainedems/status/2074922078319288751?s=46" target="_blank" rel="noopener">added</a>.
The blowup follows an <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/platner-feuds-with-dem-political-establishment-over-potential-replacement?author=Leif+Le+Mahieu&amp;category=undefined&amp;elementPosition=8&amp;row=3&amp;rowHeadline=Latest+News&amp;rowType=Vertical+Carousel&amp;title=Platner%E2%80%99s+Civil+War+With+Democrats+Just+Got+Messier" target="_blank" rel="noopener">extraordinary Tuesday night statemen</a>t from the Maine Democratic Party, which accused the leftist campaign of trying to “put their thumb on the scale.”
“Unfortunately, Graham Platner’s team has repeatedly reached out to us in an attempt to put their thumb on the scale of what this process looks like,” Maine Democratic Party Executive Director Devon Murphy-Anderson said. “We have repeatedly reiterated to Graham Platner’s team that they have no role in determining our next Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate, nor in determining what this process looks like.”
On Wednesday, Chin fired back.
“Under their watch and direction, they allowed the DC-based Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee to send staffers to plan a potential nominating process behind closed doors. Both the state and national parties cut our team, our volunteers, and our vast networks of supporters out of the conversation completely,” Chin said.
“We firmly believe that the supporters and volunteers who built this movement deserve to have a real role in any nomination process,” he added.
It remains unclear who could replace Platner. Many party officials, however, have pointed to former Maine State Senate President Troy Jackson, a Platner ally, as a leading contender. Other potential nominees include Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, former state public health chief Nirav Shah, former city mayor Valli Geiger, and Jordan Wood, the former chief of staff to former Rep. Katie Porter.
Platner’s campaign unraveled over the 4th of July weekend following explosive allegations of rape and sexual assault.
<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/06/graham-platner-sexual-assault-allegation-00987737" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Politico</a> interviewed 41-year-old Maine resident Jenny Racicot, who accused Platner of entering her home without permission in 2021 and sexually assaulting her. In a one-two punch, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2026/07/06/us/graham-platner-racicot-allegation-maine-invs?cid=ios_app" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CNN</a> released an interview with Racicot, who described the alleged assault as rape. The Senate hopeful has repeatedly called allegations of nonconsensual sex “categorically false.”
On Tuesday, another ex-girlfriend accused Platner of repeatedly removing condoms without her consent during sex, according to a report by <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/07/07/ex-girlfriend-graham-platner-says-he-removed-condoms-without-consent/?utm_campaign=wp_main&amp;utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_medium=social" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Washington Post</a>, which he denied.
Platner’s exit would mark a stunning fall from grace for the Bernie Sanders-backed oyster farmer, who leaned on a working-class, populist message to catapult himself onto the national political stage and buck his party&#8217;s unpopular establishment wing.
Maine Democrats have until July 13 to replace him on the ballot, leaving the party just days to settle on a new nominee to take on Collins in a race that could determine control of the U.S. Senate.

Maine Senate Candidate Graham Platner Holds His Primary Election Night Event

Platner Team Accuses Democrat Establishment Of Backroom Power Play

2026 Midterms

Maine

Maine Democrats

Senate

An Arizona toddler pulled from a backyard pool was pronounced dead, only to be found breathing hours later in a hospital morgue by a medical examiner.
In February, first responders rushed an 18-month-old to Mercy Gilbert Medical Center after he was found inside the family’s suburban pool on Super Bowl Sunday, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrCcQoXlq0o">according</a> to police records obtained by ABC15. <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-miracle-baby-vincents-recovery">A GoFundMe page</a> for the family identified the baby as Vincent Lorenzo Fiordilino, who was underwater for about five minutes. 
Heavily redacted body camera footage <a href="https://www.abc15.com/news/local-news/investigations/records-toddler-found-alive-in-hospital-morgue-after-being-pronounced-dead-by-arizona-doctor">shows</a> two officers with the Gilbert Police force responding to the scene and carrying the toddler inside the hospital. 
Citing police records, ABC15 reported that officers observed multiple signs of life and alleged that hospital staff, including a licensed doctor, rushed to judgment.
One officer stated that he heard a nurse report finding a pulse and tried to alert the doctor, but claims the medical professional quickly dismissed his concerns.
In the report, the police officer said the doctor, identified as <a href="https://www.healthgrades.com/physician/dr-aryan-toosi-0nbjuqz107">Dr. Aryan Toosi</a>, “arrogantly told me that he was the doctor, he has the medical degree, he went to medical school for a reason, and to let him do his thing,” according to ABC15. The outlet located that contentious exchange in the body camera video moments before he declared the baby dead. 
“I went to medical school for a reason,” he is heard saying. “Let me just clarify.” 
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At about 6:20 p.m., the doctor declared the baby dead, according to the police records. Over the next hour, however, police officers reported hearing the child make “gasping sounds.” Right before the baby was transported to the morgue, officers said they heard “another audible gasp.” Almost an hour later, inside the cold morgue, an officer said she observed “another gasp or air release.” 
A nurse reportedly dismissed the sounds, which were redacted from the videos, as a likely response to resuscitation efforts. The last available recordings showed the family forced to say goodbye to their child. 
Then, the unexpected happened. Five hours later–right before midnight–a medical examiner found the baby was breathing inside the morgue. He was airlifted to Phoenix Children&#8217;s Hospital. On the official police records, law enforcement said the baby was &#8220;pronounced deceased in error,” according to ABC15. 
The baby underwent an MRI that apparently revealed brain damage that will require “lifelong care.” It’s unclear whether the pool accident or mistreatment at the hospital caused the baby’s brain damage. However, the <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-miracle-baby-vincents-recovery" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">GoFundMe</a> page said a follow-up MRI found no brain damage, only a &#8220;small area of bruising,&#8221; which doctors believe may cause minor balance issues.
&#8220;Despite this miracle, Vincent still faces a long and challenging recovery. He will need extensive therapy, ongoing medical monitoring, and support for his healing organs,&#8221; the fundraising page read.
An attorney representing the family declined to comment, according to ABC15.
Mercy Gilbert, the hospital that erroneously declared the baby dead, called it a “heartbreaking situation.”  
“We immediately conducted a thorough review of all aspects of the care provided to learn what happened and to make meaningful changes to strengthen our care,” the hospital told ABC15. “Out of respect for the patient&#8217;s privacy, we cannot discuss details. We continue to work with the family and their representative. Patient safety and exceptional care is our highest priority.”
Records reviewed by ABC15 show that Dr. Aryan Toosi is licensed through the Arizona Osteopathic Board. ABC15 Investigators reached out to Dignity Health to see if Dr. Toosi is still employed with the hospital.
“We are unable to comment on specific personnel. Like many hospitals, we have both employed and independent physicians who are affiliated with our facilities,” Dignity Health said to ABC15. 
Dr. Toosi’s attorney declined to comment, according to ABC15. The Gilbert Police Department submitted the case to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for review as prosecutors consider whether to pursue charges against the parents in connection with the drowning.

Toddler

Toddler Declared Dead At Hospital Found Alive Hours Later in Morgue

Toddler Declared Dead At Hospital Found Alive Hours Later In Morgue

A California judge on Monday dismissed all charges against a radiologist accused of intentionally driving his family off a Northern California cliff in 2023 after he completed a court-ordered mental health diversion program.
<a href="https://abc7news.com/post/judge-drops-attempted-murder-charges-dharmesh-patel-accused-driving-family-off-cliff-devils-slide/19459898/">Dharmesh Patel</a>, 45, was charged with attempted murder after driving his Tesla off a 250-foot cliff along the Pacific Coast Highway near an area known as Devil’s Slide in Pacifica, about 14 miles south of San Francisco. His 41-year-old wife, 7-year-old daughter, and 4-year-old son were inside the vehicle when it dropped hundreds of feet. All four survived the January 2023 crash, which first responders described as an “absolute miracle.” 
The Tesla crashed into a rocky outcropping, flipped several times, and came to rest on its wheels, the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-california-san-francisco-04504cc68d9c753ee6095627b66af612">Associated Press</a> reported. Firefighters had to cut the family out of the wreckage. 
After surviving the crash, Patel&#8217;s wife, Bubna, told investigators she believed her husband &#8220;did it on purpose&#8221; and needed a &#8220;psych evaluation,&#8221; <a href="https://www.ktvu.com/news/dharmesh-patel-devils-slide-crash-charges-dismissed">according to local outlet KTVU.</a> She added that her husband suffered from depression. 
&#8220;He said he was going to drive off the cliff,&#8221; she said, according to KTVU. The Southern California-based family was reportedly in the Bay Area visiting relatives at the time of the crash. 
After his arrest, Patel told a psychiatrist he believed his children would be kidnapped and trafficked, according to the Associated Press. Patel pleaded not guilty, <a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww2.mbc.ca.gov%2FBreezePDL%2Fdocument.aspx%3Fpath%3D%255cDIDOCS%255c20251125%255cDMRAAAJD4%255c%26did%3DAAAJD251125225913022.DID&amp;data=05%7C02%7CORodriguez%40ap.org%7C7038575fa1494d9eb9c808dedc63870b%7Ce442e1abfd6b4ba3abf3b020eb50df37%7C1%7C0%7C639190517655511618%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=NM6adS8wkq5oHLQf8O9zZo2IfFMRY4wf6%2FuGvsg8fSE%3D&amp;reserved=0">surrendered</a> his California medical license, and remained in jail without bail until 2024.
He was ultimately released after a judge found him eligible for an outpatient mental health treatment program. He moved in with his parents in San Mateo County and was monitored with a GPS bracelet. 
On Monday, a San Mateo County judge dismissed the charges after Patel successfully completed the two-year mental health diversion program, according to the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-driver-car-drove-off-cliff-1863d68448fe091a99817ebc4dc230cd">Associated Press.</a> 
“The judge was required by law to dismiss the charges,” San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe told the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-driver-car-drove-off-cliff-1863d68448fe091a99817ebc4dc230cd">outlet</a>, referring to a 2023 California bill that allowed Patel to qualify for the mental health program.
Patel’s wife later testified that she had forgiven him and did not want him to be prosecuted, according to the AP.
In court, San Mateo prosecutors opposed diversion for Patel, saying the former doctor &#8220;got the break of a lifetime,&#8221; <a href="https://abc7news.com/post/judge-drops-attempted-murder-charges-dharmesh-patel-accused-driving-family-off-cliff-devils-slide/19459898/">according to ABC7. </a>
Wagstaffe said he is working with lawmakers to prevent defendants charged with attempted murder from qualifying for mental health diversion.
“We’ll try again in the future,” he told the AP. “We’re not giving up.”

IMG_4846

Why Charges Were Dropped Against Doctor Who Drove Family Off Cliff

California

Crime

Mental Health

U.S.

Embattled Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is reportedly refusing to step aside unless Democrats let him choose his replacement. 
<a href="https://nypost.com/2026/07/07/us-news/accused-rapist-graham-platner-lists-demands-to-dems-as-he-weighs-dropping-out-of-maine-senate-race/">The New York Post</a>, citing a source close to the campaign, reported Tuesday that Platner, who has been <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/a-new-sexual-assault-accusation-rocks-maine-democrat-graham-platner?author=Jacob+Wheeler&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=2&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=A+New+Sexual+Assault+Accusation+Rocks+Maine+Democrat+Graham+Platner">accused of rape</a>, wants to handpick his successor and is insisting the replacement align with his anti-Israel and left-wing views. 
Over the past 24 hours, Democrats and leftists have called on Platner to drop out of the race. 
“I have spoken with Graham Platner about the best path forward for Maine. In light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside,” Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) <a href="https://x.com/BernieSanders/status/2074532964059197651?s=20">said Tuesday</a>. 
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee would not dedicate financial resources to the election if Platner is the nominee.
“The DSCC will not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remains on the ballot,” Schumer said in a statement with fellow Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). 
For now, Platner remains in control of his political future. 
In June, he decisively won the Democratic nomination with <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/us/elections/results-maine-primary.html">more than 70%</a> of the vote. Maine Democrats have until July 13 to replace him on the ballot, leaving the party just days to settle on a new nominee to challenge incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins. 
“This vibes to me like a play from Bernie Sanders to slide in Troy Jackson,” another source told The Post. 
Jackson, the leading replacement for Platner, has also been hit with assault allegations, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/leading-dsa-candidate-to-replace-platner-accused-of-hitting-female-colleague-during-argument?author=Zach+Stark&amp;category=undefined&amp;elementPosition=0&amp;row=3&amp;rowHeadline=Latest+News&amp;rowType=Vertical+Carousel&amp;title=Leading+DSA+Candidate+To+Replace+Platner+Accused+Of+Hitting+Female+Colleague+During+Argument">The Daily Wire</a> previously reported. 
The DSA-affiliated Maine politician was also accused of physical assault on Tuesday by the political organization Progressive Victory, which works with left-wing politicians and influencers to organize grassroots support for leftist causes.
“Troy Jackson in a heated disagreement struck a female colleague with a bottle he threw at her. There are many witnesses and it appears this is a widespread open secret within Maine politics and not an isolated incident,” said Progressive Victory in a social media <a href="https://x.com/ProgressiveVic/status/2074320341929726172">post</a>.  
The group detailed “troubling information” it had received about Jackson.
“In our discussions we have received troubling information about not only Jackson’s behavior, but the behavior of many prominent Maine Democrats toward women more broadly,” the organization wrote. “Both as a result of the credibility of the sources and in the interest of not seeing our movement make the same mistake twice, we are choosing to share some of this now.”
Jackson has yet to comment on the allegations but has already launched an exploratory committee to potentially replace his friend, Platner, on the ballot, according to <a href="https://x.com/yashar/status/2074548332576587788?s=20">FEC filings</a>.
“This is a very, very serious allegation,” Jackson <a href="https://www.bangordailynews.com/2026/07/06/politics/elections/inside-the-democratic-jockeying-to-replace-graham-platner/">said</a> of the accusations against Platner. “This is something I never considered, but if Graham’s stepping away, I am very, very interested and think I’m the best person to replace him.”

Democratic Candidate Graham Platner Holds A Town Hall As He Campaigns for Senate In Maine

Graham Platner Has A Price For Dropping Out: Report

Elections

Politics

Susan Collins

Socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) on Tuesday finally pulled his support for embattled Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner after a woman <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/dems-ditch-platner-over-rape-claims?author=Jacob+Wheeler&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=0&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Dems+Ditch+Platner+Over+Rape+Claims">accused</a> the leftist oyster farmer of rape. 
“I have spoken with Graham Platner about the best path forward for Maine. In light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside,” the Vermont senator <a href="https://x.com/BernieSanders/status/2074532964059197651?s=20">said</a>. 
It’s a stunning turnaround for the socialist who championed Platner on the campaign trail and, until now, stood firmly by the embattled oyster farmer despite numerous scandals.
“I’m going to do everything I can to make sure that Graham Platner is the next senator from the state of Maine,” Sanders previously said. 
The dramatic change in tone follows a bombshell Politico story centering around a 41-year-old Maine resident Jenny Racicot who detailed an on-and-off relationship with Platner for more than two years. In late 2021, she claimed a “deeply intoxicated” Platner broke into her home and forced himself on her despite repeatedly telling the oyster farmer to stop.
“I remember him grabbing my pelvis and being really forceful of me,” she said to Politico. “I remember the specific moment where I thought to myself, like, ‘This is no longer my choice.’” 
Racicot said she felt compelled to come forward after other women raised allegations against Platner.
“One of the reasons I didn’t come forward sooner was, the huge moral conflict that I had between supporting his politics, but not supporting him as a person,” she said to Politico. “I just want the truth out there. I just want people to have a whole scope of who he is as a person.”
The woman told the outlet she connected with Platner on the dating app Bumble in 2019 and had consensual sex with him before the night he allegedly assaulted her. 
“I had been telling him these words, like: ‘No, don’t,’” she recalled to Politico. “And, the look on his face and realizing what was happening, I just realized that, like, I am in a situation where there’s no consent here.&#8221;
As of Tuesday afternoon, Platner had given no formal indication that he intends to drop out of the race, though he suggested he is reviewing the best path forward. Maine Democrats face a July 13 deadline to replace Platner on the ballot with another Democrat to challenge incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

GettyImages-2278039744

Bernie Sanders FINALLY Addresses Platner Rape Claim

Bernie Sanders

Democrats nationwide have bailed on embattled Maine Senate Democratic candidate Graham Platner after a bombshell report accused the leftist oyster farmer of rape. 
<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/06/graham-platner-sexual-assault-allegation-00987737">Politico</a> interviewed 41-year-old Maine resident Jenny Racicot, who accused Platner of breaking into her house in 2021 and sexually assaulting her. In a one-two punch, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2026/07/06/us/graham-platner-racicot-allegation-maine-invs?cid=ios_app">CNN</a> released an interview with Racicot, who described the alleged assault as rape. 
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) demanded that Platner drop out, calling the rape claims “incredibly disturbing.” Platner’s decisive primary victory in June dealt a major blow to Schumer, who recruited and backed Maine Democratic Governor Janet Mills. 
“The DSCC will not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remains on the ballot,” Schumer said in a statement with fellow Sen. Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY). 
Rep. Ro Khana (D-CA), who has previously defended and attached himself to Platner, also pulled the plug. 
“I’ve been very clear that sexual assault or violence against women is a red line,” Khanna said. “These allegations are very serious and credible. Graham Platner should drop out from the race. I am withdrawing my endorsement.” 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I’ve been very clear that sexual assault or violence against women is a red line. These allegations are very serious and credible. Graham Platner should drop out from the race. I am withdrawing my endorsement.
— Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) <a href="https://x.com/RoKhanna/status/2074242263710917062?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2026</a></blockquote>
Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) <a href="https://x.com/RubenGallego/status/2074242801953386923?s=20">also bailed</a> on the Maine Democrat. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The allegations against Graham Platner are troubling and deeply serious.
I am rescinding my endorsement.
— Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) <a href="https://x.com/RubenGallego/status/2074242801953386923?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2026</a></blockquote>
Hasan Piker, the leftist streamer working overtime to elect socialist candidates, predicted the end of Platner’s campaign. 
&#8220;That is curtains. That is the trifecta. Okay, that is the trifecta of a reliable allegation. It’s holy sh*t&#8230;I believe this, this accusation. I believe this allegation,&#8221; Piker said, <a href="https://x.com/wsteaks/status/2074222242574012741?s=20">according to Politico.</a> 
The <a href="https://x.com/MaineDems/status/2074249756449140867?s=20">Maine Democratic Party</a> also called on Platner to drop out of the race against incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins. 
As of Monday afternoon, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) has not publicly weighed in on the bombshell. 
Previously, Sanders <a href="https://x.com/RNCResearch/status/2074246282546135486?s=20">drew a line</a> in the sand: “I&#8217;m going to do everything I can to make sure that Graham Platner is the next senator from the state of Maine,&#8221; he said. 
On the campaign trail, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) embraced Platner in endearing terms. 
“That’s my kind of man,” she <a href="https://x.com/KaeleyGemmill/status/2045645926392357373?s=20">said</a> before Platner clinched the Democratic nomination. Now, she wants him gone. 
“With so much at stake, the best path forward is for Graham Platner to step aside as the Democratic nominee and address these serious allegations outside this Senate race,” Warren <a href="https://x.com/alivitali/status/2074279006262755644?s=20">said</a> in a statement Monday evening.
The turmoil comes after Racicot told Politico she had an on-and-off relationship with Platner for more than two years before “he entered her rural Maine home uninvited” in late 2021. She described Platner as “deeply intoxicated,” claiming he forced himself on her despite repeatedly telling him to stop. 
“I remember him grabbing my pelvis and being really forceful of me,” she said to Politico. “I remember the specific moment where I thought to myself, like, ‘This is no longer my choice.’” 
Racicot said she felt compelled to come forward after other women raised allegations against Platner.
“One of the reasons I didn’t come forward sooner was, the huge moral conflict that I had between supporting his politics, but not supporting him as a person,” she said to Politico. “I just want the truth out there. I just want people to have a whole scope of who he is as a person.”
The woman told POLITICO she connected with Platner on the dating app Bumble in 2019 and had consensual sex with him before the night he allegedly assaulted her. On that night in 2021, she described an “almost blackout drunk” Platner getting on top of her.
“I had been telling him these words, like: ‘No, don’t,’” she recalled to Politico. “And, the look on his face and realizing what was happening, I just realized that, like, I am in a situation where there’s no consent here,” she said.
Weeks after the alleged assault, Racicot said she “struggled with shock and confusion” and did not file a police report. The outlet reviewed messages she sent to friends and spoke to partners who appeared to support her account.
Platner denied the accusations, telling Politico: “These allegations are troubling, serious, and false.” Minutes after the story was published, Platner took to social media.
“Any accusation of nonconsensual behavior is categorically false,” he said in a <a href="https://x.com/grahamformaine/status/2074214272628916296?s=20">two-minute video message</a>. “Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting, but mindful the political reality it will inflict, we are taking time to reflect on the best path forward…”
Maine Democrats face a <a href="https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/21-a/title21-Asec374-A.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com">July 13 deadline</a> to swap Platner for another Democrat to challenge incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
“These allegations are appalling. Nevertheless, it is not up to me to choose the Democratic nominee for Senate,” Sen. Collins said in response to the scandal.

Dems Ditch Platner Over Rape Claims

A 41-year-old Maine woman has accused embattled Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner of sexually assaulting her nearly five years ago, according to a <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/06/graham-platner-sexual-assault-allegation-00987737">bombshell Politico report</a> published Monday.
Politico interviewed 41-year-old Maine resident Jenny Racicot three times over the past two weeks and reviewed documents and witness accounts that it reported corroborated her allegations.
Racicot told Politico she had an on-and-off relationship with Platner for more than two years before “he entered her rural Maine home uninvited” in late 2021. She described Platner as “deeply intoxicated,” claiming he forced himself on her despite repeatedly telling him to stop. 
“I remember him grabbing my pelvis and being really forceful of me,” she said to Politico. “I remember the specific moment where I thought to myself, like, ‘This is no longer my choice.’” 
Racicot said she felt compelled to come forward after other women raised allegations against Platner.
“One of the reasons I didn’t come forward sooner was, the huge moral conflict that I had between supporting his politics, but not supporting him as a person,” she said to Politico. “I just want the truth out there. I just want people to have a whole scope of who he is as a person.”
The woman told POLITICO she connected with Platner on the dating app Bumble in 2019 and had consensual sex with him before the night he allegedly assaulted her. On that night in 2021, she described an “almost blackout drunk” Platner getting on top of her.
“I had been telling him these words, like: ‘No, don’t,’” she recalled to Politico. “And, the look on his face and realizing what was happening, I just realized that, like, I am in a situation where there’s no consent here,” she said.
Weeks after the alleged assault, Racicot said she &#8220;struggled with shock and confusion&#8221; and did not file a police report. The outlet reviewed messages she sent to friends and spoke to partners who appeared to support her account.
Platner denied the accusations, telling Politico: “These allegations are troubling, serious, and false.&#8221; Minutes after the story was published, Platner took to social media. 

&#8220;Any accusation of nonconsensual behavior is categorically false,&#8221; he said in a <a href="https://x.com/grahamformaine/status/2074214272628916296?s=20">two-minute video message</a>. &#8220;Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting, but mindful the political reality it will inflict, we are taking time to reflect on the best path forward&#8230;&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://t.co/9itIt4Mw25">pic.twitter.com/9itIt4Mw25</a>
— Graham Platner for Senate (@grahamformaine) <a href="https://x.com/grahamformaine/status/2074214272628916296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2026</a></blockquote>
The bombshell revelations come as the Maine Democrat&#8217;s campaign schedule unraveled over the weekend. After failing to appear at a Fourth of July parade in Machias, Platner postponed a Sunday town hall, according to the Bangor Daily News, and later canceled another town hall set for Monday evening.
On Monday morning, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/1556533156096503">Gorham Democrats</a>, a local political group, chalked up the cancellation to the oyster farmer “not feeling well.” 
“So, unfortunately, we did have to postpone, not cancel, postpone Graham Platner’s event tonight,” the woman said with a deep sigh. “From my understanding, he is not feeling well, so that&#8217;s all it is.” 
Democrats, however, were bracing for a major shakeup. Several told the Bangor Daily News they expected a national news outlet to publish a damaging story about Platner within the next 24 hours.
Social media erupted with speculation that the Maine Democrat&#8217;s campaign could soon come to an end, which would upend the midterm landscape and breathe new life into Republican hopes of holding the Senate.
“A lot of people are about to look really dumb,” Ally Sammarco, a Democratic content creator, <a href="https://x.com/Ally_Sammarco/status/2074186709512691804?s=20">said</a> on X. “Good thing I remember each and every one of you who supported him after the NYT article.” 
In June, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/04/us/politics/platner-maine-senate-girlfriends-relationships.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share">The New York Times</a> cited several ex-girlfriends who claimed Platner engaged in a pattern of “intimidating and disturbing” behavior in their relationships and lied about not knowing the meaning of his Nazi tattoo. 
Three of Platner’s ex-girlfriends, including Lyndsey Fifield, described volatile and “toxic” relationships with the Senate hopeful, claiming he demeaned women, became physically threatening, and was repeatedly unfaithful. On one occasion, an ex-girlfriend accused Platner of twisting her arm, shoving her into a bedroom, and holding the door shut until she became “calm.” 
The Platner campaign denied allegations of misconduct and rushed to MS NOW to do damage control. 
“There are some allegations in this piece that I just want to be kind of unequivocal about, are simply not true,” <a href="https://x.com/Acyn/status/2062688362633498661?s=20">Platner said on the television network.</a> “Anything alleging physicality, anything alleging that I knew what my tattoo was, these are the statements of someone who’s politically motivated.”
Racicot told Politico the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/maine-democrats-choose-nazi-tatted-graham-platner-in-senate-primary?author=Jacob+Wheeler&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=71&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Dems+Pick+Nazi-Tatted+Graham+Platner+Even+After+%E2%80%98Predator%E2%80%99s+Paradise%E2%80%99+Photos+Surface">partisan, Democratic-led attacks</a> on the New York Times story also pushed her to speak out. 
“My part of the story was just a read-over,” Racicot said to Politico. “And the story was Lyndsey, and the accusations of her being politically motivated.”
On top of that, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/see-it-graham-platner-has-active-profile-on-predators-paradise-messaging-app">The Daily Wire previously uncovered</a> that the Senate hopeful maintained an active account on a social media platform known to attract child predators. Several media outlets reported that Platner, a married man, had exchanged sexually explicit messages with several women. 
Platner’s decisive primary victory dealt a major blow to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), who recruited and backed Maine Democratic Governor Janet Mills. Maine Democrats face a <a href="https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/21-a/title21-Asec374-A.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com">July 13 deadline</a> to swap Platner for another Democrat to challenge incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
<a href="https://polymarket.com/event/will-grahm-platner-drop-out-before-the-midterms-20260608200746523">Prediction markets</a> have shifted sharply, with the odds of Platner dropping out climbing from 9% Monday morning to 90%.

A New Sexual Assault Accusation Rocks Maine Democrat Graham Platner

Ahead of the much-anticipated preliminary hearings for Charlie Kirk&#8217;s accused assassin Tyler Robinson, Kirk&#8217;s widow Erika Kirk, his parents, and his sister say the family will not be commenting during the judicial process.
Erika Kirk, alongside Charlie’s parents Kathy and Rob, will be in the courtroom together throughout the week, a source familiar with the situation told The Daily Wire. They say in a statement provided ahead of hearings that are expected to last all week that they will be there as spectators, and that the proceedings are a &#8220;painful reminder of his death.&#8221;
“Charlie was a beloved husband, son, brother, friend, and father. Every court proceeding serves as a painful reminder of his death and the loss that has irrevocably impacted our lives and the lives of his children,” the joint statement reads. “We remain deeply grateful for the support, prayers, and kindness we have received. This outpouring has sustained us during the darkest days of our lives. Out of respect for the judicial process, we will not be commenting further at this time. We ask for continued privacy as we navigate this process and immense grief.”
The Daily Wire is told this will be the only statement provided during the preliminary hearing that starts Monday in Provo, Utah.
The five-day hearing happens roughly 10 months after Charlie was murdered in front of thousands at a Turning Point USA college campus tour on Utah Valley University’s campus. Judge Tony Graf will decide whether the prosecution has enough evidence against Robinson, who faces an aggravated murder charge among other offenses, with the death penalty as a possible punishment. Robinson hasn’t entered a plea.
Utah is a &#8220;hearing&#8221; state, which is why this hearing takes place instead of the case going before a grand jury, which is typically what happens in federal felony cases before a trial can take place.
Starting on Monday the state will lay out evidence against the 23-year-old, who is accused of shooting the TPUSA founder on September 10, 2025. Robinson turned himself in after an intense manhunt.
The &#8220;world is going to see what the state has,&#8221; the source familiar with the proceedings told The Daily Wire.
Often called a &#8220;mini trial,&#8221; this week is the first time the public will see what evidence the prosecution plans to use to convict him of murder.
The state will call witnesses and present evidence and the defense will cross examine. The state is under no obligation to present all evidence, just as Robinson&#8217;s team isn’t required to present all of its findings to the judge.
The judge will look at the evidence through a lens favorable to the state, per law.
It’s expected the state will play a video of a recorded statement from Lance Twiggs, Robinson’s roommate and lover, during the hearing. It will be the first public statement from Twiggs, who was on the receiving end of Robinson&#8217;s confession through text messages and a hand-written letter, per authorities.
This hearing was originally scheduled for May, but the defense successfully delayed by filing pre-trial motions.
The legal back and forth leading up to Monday’s hearing mainly revolved around the argument of cameras in the courtroom. Judge Graf sided with the state and cameras will be allowed in the courtroom, but electronic devices won’t be permitted.

Credit: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Erika Kirk And Charlie Kirk’s Parents Say Assassination Hearing Is ‘Painful Reminder Of His Death’

Charlie Kirk

Tyler Robinson

Utah

Paul Pelosi, the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, is under investigation on suspicion of hit-and-run after allegedly crashing into a parked vehicle in Northern California and driving away.
The Napa County Sheriff&#8217;s Office said Pelosi was involved in a crash that occurred around 2:30 p.m. Friday in Yountville, an incorporated town in the heart of wine country, <a href="https://www.kcra.com/article/nancy-pelosi-husband-paul-charge-napa-county-hit-and-run/71823395">local outlet KCRA reported.</a>
A witness called 911 to report that a brown convertible traveling north on Yount Street smashed into an unoccupied, legally parked vehicle, according to KCRA. The outlet reported the collision caused severe rear-end damage to the vehicle. The witness also told authorities the suspect &#8220;briefly stopped, then drove away.” 
Later that afternoon, police found the brown convertible partially blocking Yountville Cross Road, with 86-year-old Paul Pelosi inside. The sheriff&#8217;s office said Pelosi&#8217;s car had significant front-right damage consistent with the hit-and-run. Pelosi told investigators he knew he crashed into something, but didn&#8217;t know what it was, so he kept driving until his car broke down.
A preliminary alcohol screening found Pelosi&#8217;s blood alcohol level was 0.00, the <a href="https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/paul-pelosi-investigated-after-hit-and-run-crash-in-yountville/4108917/">sheriff&#8217;s office said</a>, ruling out the influence of alcohol or drugs. Police said Pelosi was not arrested, but deputies will refer the case to the Napa County District Attorney&#8217;s Office for possible prosecution.
Friday’s episode, on the eve of America’s 250th birthday, is not Pelosi’s first run-in with the law or trouble on the road.
In June 2022, the Napa County DA’s office charged Pelosi with a DUI with injury, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/nancy-pelosis-husband-finally-charged-with-dui">The Daily Wire</a> previously reported. 
“Today, the Napa County District Attorney’s Office issued a criminal complaint, filing charges against Paul Pelosi based upon an automobile collision and driving under the influence arrest on May 28th, 2022,” the Napa County DA’s office <a href="https://www.countyofnapa.org/DocumentCenter/View/25620/Press-Release---Injury-Charges-Filed-against-Paul-Pelosi-6232022">said</a> at the time. 
“The collision occurred on State Route 29 and Oakville Cross Road at 10:17 pm,” authorities stated. “A blood sample was taken from Mr. Pelosi at 12:32 am and sent to the California Department of Justice for testing. Mr. Pelosi’s blood sample had a .082% blood alcohol content.”
Paul Pelosi pled guilty to the DUI charge in 2022, <a href="https://www.napacounty.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/373">according</a> to Napa County News. &#8220;Mr. Pelosi pled guilty to the charge of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Causing Injury.&#8221;
Officials also <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/breaking-mugshot-of-nancy-pelosis-husband-is-released-from-his-dui-arrest">released</a> a mugshot relating to that incident. The Pelosis own an estate in Napa Valley on Zinfandel Lane, which is <a href="https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-ca-richest-nancy-pelosi-vineyard-story.html">valued</a> well north of $5,000,000, and has a vineyard that nets the couple $5,000 to $15,000 in grape sales per year.

pelosihusband

Pelosi’s Husband Faces Hit-And-Run Investigation Years After Infamous Napa DUI

Nancy Pelosi's Husband Faces Hit-and-Run Charges

Paul Pelosi

Ten Tennessee teenagers were arrested and face criminal charges in connection with a viral social media door-kicking challenge.
The “Door Kick Challenge” is a controversial social media trend in which individuals—typically young people—kick residential front doors, often at night, and quickly flee the area. 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
KNOCK IT OFF: Police are warning residents about a viral TikTok trend known as the “door kick” or “door knock challenge” after three Florida teenagers were arrested for allegedly kicking a homeowner&#8217;s door. <a href="https://t.co/CSNJFqv88Q">pic.twitter.com/CSNJFqv88Q</a>
— Seattle Smith🇺🇸 (@smith_seattle1) <a href="https://x.com/smith_seattle1/status/1996461333710352702?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2025</a></blockquote>
Attempting to outdo the “ding-dong ditch” prank, the challenge has at times led to property damage and safety concerns. 
Spanning <a href="https://www.police1.com/social-media/breaking-down-the-door-kick-challenge-a-viral-trend-with-real-world-risks">across the country</a> and <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/nanaimo-door-kick-challenge-9.7251462">around the world</a>, the trend has taken on a life of its own—and now carries real-world consequences for a group of teenagers in a Nashville suburb.
<a href="https://x.com/FranklinTNPD/status/2072717353658314927?s=20">The Franklin Police Department</a> arrested ten teenagers, ages 14 to 18, for allegedly participating in the prank. Just after 11 p.m. on Tuesday, officers responded to multiple reports of individuals kicking or striking the front doors of homes, then fleeing in the upscale neighborhood. 
“After receiving multiple calls, Franklin police officers quickly flooded the area, established a perimeter, and sealed off the neighborhood,” the police department said. “During the operation, officers located a vehicle carrying all 10 suspects.”
Inside the vehicle, police officers said they found a BB gun designed to closely resemble a real handgun, along with a ski mask. Two adults, Gio Smith, 18, and Jordan Curll, 18, were charged with aggravated burglary, vandalism, and contributing to the delinquency of a child. Eight additional suspects, ages 14 to 17, were taken into custody and charged in Juvenile Court with aggravated burglary, vandalism, and curfew violations.
&#8220;This dangerous trend is far from harmless,&#8221; said Franklin Police Chief Deb Faulkner. &#8220;Kicking the door of an occupied home in the middle of the night creates fear and uncertainty for the people inside. 
“Homeowners have no way of knowing whether someone is playing a prank or attempting to break into their home, and they may respond accordingly to protect themselves and their families,” she added.  
Franklin, an affluent suburb known for its Southern charm, is the latest community to report arrests tied to the trend.
Out west in California, police have reported eight incidents in Elk Grove, a suburb of Sacramento, resulting in five juvenile arrests, <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/door-kick-challenge-arrests-elk-grove/">according to CBS Sacramento</a>. One homeowner’s doorframe was damaged so severely that repair costs totaled $900. 
&#8220;Somebody could come out with a gun, and you could never know, these kids could be dead just for a stupid prank,&#8221; homeowner Ronnie Monroe told the outlet. 
In Frisco, Texas, police arrested a 58-year-old man for aggravated assault after he allegedly fired multiple rounds at a vehicle fleeing a neighborhood following the door-kicking prank. 
“Parents, please talk to your kids about the dangers of participating in these types of TikTok challenges,” <a href="https://www.friscotexas.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/2470">said</a> Frisco Police Chief David Shilson. “For homeowners, it is important to understand that there are legal and criminal consequences for running outside and shooting at a vehicle fleeing the scene.”

Viral Social Media Prank Lands Ten Teens In Custody

Nashville

Social Media

Tennessee

A 31-year-old novice climber is lucky to be alive after falling 1,500 feet down California’s Mount Shasta. 
The female climber suffered a serious fall while ascending the Left of Heart variation, a steeper section of the Avalanche Gulch route on Mount Shasta, according to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ShastaTrinityNF/posts/pfbid025d934YrNPnZtnCLAAdSSrk28aiQM6hJZpN6wN1M6cwBW4We7wgFNGnukq29roZckl">U.S. Forest Service</a>. Mount Shasta is the second-highest peak in the Cascades and the fifth-highest in the Golden State. 
The woman, who has not been publicly identified, was with three novice climbers when she plunged 1,500 vertical feet—from an elevation of about 13,000 feet to approximately 11,500 feet—before coming to rest on the mountain.
Moments later, three U.S. Forest Service Climbing Rangers, with assistance from the California Highway Patrol, launched a rescue response.
Due to heavy cloud cover, Climbing Ranger Falconer left the helicopter and continued the rescue on foot to reach the injured woman, aided by one member of her party, who helped carry rescue equipment. 
“The patient was found alert, in good spirits, and suffering from a suspected fractured right ankle along with additional injuries consistent with the significant fall,” the U.S. Forest Service said in a social media post. “After being stabilized and packaged in a SKED rescue litter, Climbing Rangers Falconer, Jordan, and MacArthur, along with members of the climbing party, carefully lowered the patient to Lake Helen.” 
Later that evening, rescuers evacuated the woman from Lake Helen before she was transported to Mercy Medical Center in Mount Shasta for further treatment.
The route the woman and her group were climbing is considered &#8220;steep and rigorous,&#8221; requiring climbers to carry specialized gear—including crampons, an ice axe, and a helmet—as well as possess basic snow travel skills, according to the <a href="https://www.shastaavalanche.org/general-route-description/avalanche-gulch#/view/observations">Mount Shasta Avalanche Center.</a>
“Don&#8217;t consider this route as a cakewalk,” the center said. “Though not an overly technical route, it does follow a 7,000 vertical foot ascent that exposes the climber to steep snow and ice, rock fall, and weather extremes.”   
Over the decades, <a href="https://www.siskiyous.edu/library/shasta/documents/MS_Fact_Sheet_references_34pp.pdf">nearly 50 people have died</a> on Mount Shasta since recordkeeping began in 1916. 
“This incident serves as an important reminder that Mount Shasta is a high-altitude mountaineering environment, not a hike,” the Forest Service said. “Even experienced climbers can encounter rapidly changing weather, steep snow and ice, rockfall, and hazardous fall conditions.”

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