An Australian senator had an egg cracked on his head by a protester while he was speaking to a group of reporters.
The 69-year-old senator, Fraser Anning, was hit on the head with an egg by a 17-year-old after making controversial remarks blaming the New Zealand massacre on an influx of “Muslim immigration.” Video of the incident shows Anning turning around and taking swings back at the boy before other men cut between the two. The boy was arrested and removed from the premises by local police.
Just hours after the massacre that left 49 people dead and dozens more injured, the right-wing Australian senator, who is known for his nativist approach and anti-Muslim rhetoric, tweeted: “Does anyone still dispute the link between Muslim immigration and violence?”
Does anyone still dispute the link between Muslim immigration and violence?
— Senator Fraser Anning (@fraser_anning) March 15, 2019
The Australian lawmaker issued a statement Saturday claiming liberal politicians defend left-wing policies without paying attention to their consequences.
“As always, left-wing politicians and the media will rush to claim that the causes of today’s shootings lie with gun laws or those who hold nationalist views but this is all cliched nonsense.”
“The real cause of bloodshed on New Zealand streets today is the immigration program which allowed Muslim fanatics to migrate to New Zealand in the first place.”
Anning’s remarks were widely condemned, including by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Saturday.
“The remarks by Sen. Fraser Anning blaming the murderous attacks by a violent, right-wing, extremist terrorist in New Zealand on immigration are disgusting,” said Morrison.
