Liberal Democrats Senator David Leyonhjelm is no stranger to controversy after he has made comments about child care workers which saw him criticised by people online and other politicians. This time many claim he has gone way too far as he has appeared to make light of the tragic events that happened in Melbourne yesterday.
After Dimitrious “Jimmy” Gargasoulas viciously slammed his car into a crowd of people in Melbourne’s CBD killing four people and injuring many others, Mr Leyonhjelm took to Twitter and posted:
Probably one of those semi-automatic assault cars. https://t.co/8oUYMryALl
— David Leyonhjelm (@DavidLeyonhjelm) January 20, 2017
Mr Leyonhjelm, who wants gun control lifted in Australia was obviously making a thinly veiled stab at gun control while pointing out that a car was used to kill innocent people. The tweet was made less than a half hour after the incident prompting many to fire back at the politician.
it's not that you are a libertarian. it's that you're simply a bad person. that's why I hate you.
— ☔Jason Murphy (@jasemurphy) January 20, 2017
Can't understand how a politician can attempt to joke or point out irony with so many ppl injured. He is a fool
— beauyleigh (@beauyleigh) January 20, 2017
This is sickening. Log off and delete your account. How can you represent anyone with an attitude like that?
— Ellie CK (@EllieCK) January 20, 2017
Not backing down, Mr Leyonhjelm engaged with the public.
I assume this little petal is attempting to say he disagrees with my point of view. Funny way of putting it though. https://t.co/SgxRyvCkYw
— David Leyonhjelm (@DavidLeyonhjelm) January 20, 2017
And even encouraged one to make a formal complaint.
.@vanbadham @theheraldsun Please use our official complaints form. pic.twitter.com/piuXLw20KT
— David Leyonhjelm (@DavidLeyonhjelm) January 20, 2017
Mr Leyonhjelm did have his supporters. One National representative Malcolm Roberts told the media that he thought the tweet was “brilliant”. Mr Roberts only complaint was that he hadn’t “thought of it first”.
Talking to the Australian Associated Press, Mr Leyonhjelm said people who were upset were “too stupid to get it”.