Victoria is undoubtedly doing it tough during its second period of lockdown and it appears the police are becoming somewhat exasperated by the public flouting the rules.
During the now daily press conferences from the Victorian government, Victoria Police assistant commissioner Luke Cornelius took to the lectern over the weekend to detail his frustrations at anti-lockdown protesters that have taken up residence in the Melbourne CBD.
Delivering the speech of our times, a clearly frustrated Cornelius labelled the protesters as the “tinfoil hat-wearing brigade”.
And the savaging didn’t stop there. “They’re taking every opportunity to leverage the current situation to serve their own ridiculous notions about so-called sovereign citizens about constitutional issues and about how 5G is going to kill your grandkids.
“It’s batshit crazy nonsense,” the goodly copper declared.
Check out the glorious takedown below:
https://www.facebook.com/IFLOZ/posts/1181016628938550
Footage of Cornelius’ rant soon went viral and fast turned the officer into a social media superstar.
“Luke Cornelius is my new hero,” one Twitter user posted
Another added: “‘Batshit crazy’ and ‘tin foil’ brigade. I laughed so hard.”
“I love this straight-talking cop. Can we please see him every day at the Victoria press conference? He is a breath of fresh air!” penned another.
Another added: “Big round of applause to (Victoria Police) Asst Comm Luke Cornelius for calling extreme RW (right wing) anti-lockdown nutters for what they are – batshit crazy. Well said, Luke.”
The cause of Cornelius’ consternation is the hundreds of protesters that have gathered in and around Dandenong’s George Andrews Reserve over the past week.
Since Monday, police have made nine arrests and handed out 48 fines at the protest.
Cornelius said people are trying to play the “innocent card” when approached by police and wasting their resources.
“That’s why this behaviour is so selfish,” Cornelius declared.
The protest is also illegal under Melbourne’s current Stage four lockdown and Cornelius added he is vowing to stamp it out.
