NT Chief Minister becomes emotional speaking on family death threats
NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner has to stop and collect himself while speaking about death threats he and his family had received from anti-vaxxers.
He was speaking in support of a veteran subjected to vile attacks after he had confronted a protester.
The protester had been playing The Last Post at a cenotaph in a bizarre statement about vaccines.
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Michael Gunner became emotional talking about the toll that death threats have taken on his family. Nine
"I have some experience dealing with what he's now currently going through," Mr Gunner said.
"We are dealing with people who have unfortunately gone down a rabbit-hole. The delusion they are going through is extraordinary."
Mr Gunner was then asked about death threats he himself has received.
"I have on a number of occasions – not just for me. My family.
"I've been told my kid will be put in a grave."
Michael Gunner's home address was publicised during an anti-vaxxer protest last month. Nine
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Mr Gunner stopped mid-sentence, standing in silence to recompose himself.
"We have a job, and we do our job, and I thank police and others for the work they're doing," he said.
"We'll keep doing whatever it takes to keep Territorians safe."
NT Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker tore into the trolls who have threatened politicians and others.
"I'll call it for what it is. Complete, utter cowardice," he said.
"I don't want idiots to pick up copycat behaviour, but suffice to save, it's not limited to the Northern Territory."
Michael Gunner was visibly upset speaking about death threats directed at his family. Nine
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Police had to go to Mr Gunner's home after anti-vaxxers publicised his home address two weeks ago.
Last month a man was charged after death threats were sent to Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.
And death and rape threats from anti-vaxxers forced WA Premier Mark McGowan to shut his electorate office.
Two men have since been charged for threatening phone calls made to Mr McGowan.
The premier said he has not ruled out relocating his family from their Rockingham home over safety concerns.
In July a man faced court over Facebook threats against Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young.
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