Sanders: ‘I never expected in my life, as an American, to see a swastika at a major political rally’

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said Sunday he “never expected” to see a swastika at a major political rally, after a man was removed from one of his events in Phoenix for displaying a flag with the Nazi symbol.

“The idea that there was a swastika, a symbol of everything that this country stands against … is unspeakable,” Sanders said on CNN’s “State of the Union,” adding that around 400,000 Americans died “fighting that symbol, fighting Nazism.” 

“I never expected in my life, as an American, to see a swastika at a major political rally. It’s horrible,” Sanders added. 

Sanders has the chance to be the first Jewish presidential nominee of a major party. 

He said he did not see the flag, which it was unveiled behind him at the rally, and didn’t see it when he turned around after hearing the boos. He learned about it quickly after he left the stage. 

The Secret Service said Thursday no presidential candidate has requested protection from its agents.