Overview

• Video from the Route 1 reconstruction ceremony shows boos and chants of “Shame!” as Collins approached to cut the ribbon in Searsport, Maine.
• Attendees repeatedly demanded that Collins hold town halls and shouted criticism of her votes to continue funding and arming Israel during the Gaza war.
• Collins attempted to keep the focus on the Main Street project and completed the ribbon-cutting, but she was frequently drowned out by the crowd.
• Coverage noted this was her first press-style public appearance in her home state in years, elevating the disruption into statewide and national attention.
• The protest followed progressive Democrat Graham Platner’s recent campaign launch to challenge Collins, adding electoral context to the public pushback.