An Australian senator has sparked outrage with a series of 'racist' tweets that suggest Muslim immigration was to blame for the Christchurch shootings.
Fraser Anning, who represents the state of Queensland, claimed the killing of at least 49 people in New Zealand mosques was in response to the growing Muslim population.
"Does anyone still dispute the link between Muslim immigration and violence?" he wrote on Twitter.
"I wonder if there will be as much outrage from the left wing when the next Muslim terrorist attack occurs? Most likely silence and talk about lone wolf attacks, mental illness and no connection to Islam”.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison led condemnation of Anning, describing his comments as "disgusting".
"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."
Anning appeared to stand by his social media comments.
In a news release, he said "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."
"The real cause of bloodshed on New Zealand streets today is the immigration programme which allowed Muslim fanatics to migrate to New Zealand in the first place."
