Right-Wing Australian Senator Blames ‘Increasing Muslim Presence’ For New Zealand Shooting

Shortly after a self-identified right-wing fascist killed at least 49 people after opening fire on two separate mosques in New Zealand, Australian Senator Fraser Anning released a statement condemning the “actions of the gunman.”

And then he blamed the very existence of Muslims for the shooting.

“However, whilst this kind of violent vigilantism can never be justified, what it highlights is the growing fear within our community, both in Australia and New Zealand, of the increasing Muslim presence,” wrote Anning, a far-right senator from Queensland.

Complaining that left-wing politicians will claim the shooting was caused by loose gun laws or “those who hold nationalist views,” Anning went on to state that the “real cause of bloodshed” was New Zealand’s “immigration program” that allowed “Muslim fanatics” to settle in the country.

Anning wrapped up his statement on the violent massacre perpetrated by a 28-year-old white supremacist by railing against Muslims and the Islamic religion in general, stating that while they may be the victims in this instance, Muslims are usually “the perpetrators” and they are not “blameless.”

After Anning released his Islamophobic screed hours after dozens of Muslims were gunned down by an Australian native in a racist domestic terrorist attack, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison blasted the senator on Twitter.

The remarks by Senator Fraser Anning blaming the murderous attacks by a violent, right-wing, extremist terrorist in New Zealand on immigration are disgusting. Those views have no place in Australia, let alone the Australian Parliament.

— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) March 15, 2019

“The remarks by Senator Fraser Anning blaming the murderous attacks by a violent, right-wing, extremist terrorist in New Zealand on immigration are disgusting,” Morrison wrote. “Those views have no place in Australia, let alone the Australian Parliament.”