Overview

• More than 200 demonstrators chanted “Shame! Shame! Shame!” as Sen. Susan Collins tried to speak at a Searsport ceremony marking completion of Route 1 work.
• Protesters pressed her on Medicare and other health care cuts, U.S. policy toward Gaza, Supreme Court votes, and her long-standing refusal to hold town halls.
• Collins asked the crowd to let the brief program proceed, then later said she spoke with attendees and described many of their claims as misinformation.
• She criticized the disruption as spoiling a celebration for the town, saying it prevented local officials from speaking about a project she helped fund.
• Video from the event circulated widely as newly declared Democratic candidate Graham Platner drew shouts of “Vote Graham Platner!” and amplified the moment online.