Senator Bernie Sanders found himself in a heated exchange with Republican staffers in Washington, D.C. The confrontation took place outside the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) headquarters.

Republican protesters mocked Graham Platner, a controversial Maine Senate candidate, by dressing in towels. This was in response to a suggestive Kik profile photo of Platner wearing a towel. The video of the encounter, obtained by Fox News Digital, captured these moments.

Do you support Graham Platner even though he’s on Kik?

This question was posed to Sanders as he entered the DSCC headquarters. At the time, Platner and other Democrats were attending meetings there, ahead of the primary on June 9.

Platner’s campaign has encountered various controversies. These include a tattoo recognized as a Nazi symbol, Reddit posts blaming victims and mocking veterans, and advocating political violence. Recently, Platner admitted to sending explicit messages to women via Kik, a messaging app criticized for child safety concerns. Protesters used chants like “Platner is a creep!” and displayed signs accusing him of inappropriate conduct.

Sanders, caught in this protest, retorted questions about Republican party affiliations. He confronted protesters, bringing up former President Trump while challenging their claims of morality.

The controversy surrounding Platner and Kik continues. No evidence links Platner to communications with minors. His wife has condemned the exposure of their private matters, while Platner has apologized for past comments. He explained the tattoo was an unintentional acquisition and has since been covered.

Republicans aim to leverage Platner’s controversies to challenge national Democrats who support him, including Sanders. The primary for the Senate race in Maine is scheduled for June 9.