‘Egg boy’ applauded worldwide after egging controversial Australian politician Fraser Anning
A teenager dubbed "egg boy" is being applauded by social media users around the world after cracking an egg on the head of an Australian politician who blamed Muslim immigration for the Christchurch terror attack.
The 17-year-old rose to fame after he was captured splatting the egg on Queensland senator Fraser Anning during a television interview, prompting a scuffle in which the youngster was twice punched and then restrained.
Police said the boy was arrested, but was released without charge pending a further investigation.
Mr Anning had been heavily criticised after appearing to blame Muslim immigration for a terror attack on two New Zealand mosques which left 49 people dead.
“Does anyone still dispute the link between Muslim immigration and violence?” he asked.
In a further statement, Mr Anning added: “The real cause of the bloodshed on New Zealand streets today is the immigration programme which allowed Muslim fanatics to migrate to New Zealand in the first place.”
After the egg attack – for which the boy was arrested but then released without charge – many supporters on Twitter hailed him as a hero.
Twitter user @defilibrator tweeted: “Egg boy showed the world that religion, age or ethnicity doesn’t matter when it comes to standing up against oppression, hatred and evil. You only need a pure heart and the egg boy has a heart of gold! Bless you.”
Writer Maxine Beneba Clarke posted: “Saddle the horses. Send messengers far and wide to search the land for the mysterious Egg Boy, whose throw is precise, whose judgement is sound, and whose courage is infinite. For as with Arthur and the Excalibur sword, only he shall lead us out of the darkness.”
American actress Chelsea Peretti tweeted: “why did egg boy vid make me cry”.
And New Zealand rock band Unknown Mortal Orchestra simply posted: “Egg boy energy.”
A GoFundMe page was even launched, with the aim described as raising money for “legal fees” and “more eggs”.
Within 14 hours it had raised more than $10,000 (£7,500).