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Extremist anti-vaxxer death and rape threats force WA Premier Mark McGowan to shut down his electorate office

Extreme anti-vaxxers have made such disgusting and disturbing threats that one premier has been forced to shut down their office.

Anti-vax protesters swarm 1 William St, Brisbane

Anti-vaxxer extremists have allegedly threatened to rape staff members working for West Australian Premier Mark McGowan, forcing him to shut down the electorate office.

Mr McGowan told reporters there had been a raft of threats after his government mandated the Covid-19 vaccine for most workforces.

“There’s been death threats, there’s been threats to rape my staff, there’s been people threatening to bomb my office,” he said on Wednesday.

“Someone turned up with an armoured car with a machine gun on the top.

“This is unbelievable conduct.”

Premier Mark McGowan says the actions of some anti-vaxxers is illegal. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Sharon Smith
Premier Mark McGowan says the actions of some anti-vaxxers is illegal. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Sharon Smith

The Premier said it was particularly unfair to target staff and their families.

“Unfortunately, that’s the way these people are conducting themselves,” he said.

“I just ask them to stop and just act like reasonable human beings.”

Mr McGowan also condemned comments made by anti-vaxxer extremists towards the media and other politicians.

“This sort of language, this sort of abuse and this sort of threatening behaviour is un-Australian, it’s wrong and it’s absolutely over the top,” he said.

“It’s causing immense distress and harm to many people.

“I’d just urge all those people acting like that to stop. A lot of it is unlawful. A lot of it is criminal.”

It comes after the Premier’s personal phone number was leaked and anti-vaxxers also showed up to his Rockingham home.

NCA NewsWire is seeking comment from WA Police.

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/national/western-australia/extremist-antivaxxer-death-and-rape-threats-force-wa-premier-mark-mcgowan-to-shut-down-his-electorate-office/news-story/ee2396ee5675cf8afef3f2df0863e516