Former Green MP Sue Bradford has drawn an outraged response after saying the Government's "brutal policies" led to today's attack on Ashburton Work and Income staff.
Ms Bradford, a life-long unemployment activist who now lectures in social practice at Unitec, tweeted: "Shocking news coming in of Work & Income shooting: awful, but a risk when office becomes front for brutal policies."
Internet Party Kelston candidate Roshni Sami tweeted in support: "Nats brag that 1600 people p/w move off welfare into jobs, in reality they're pushed off welfare into hardship. Shame!"
But a string of other people following Ms Bradford on Twitter attacked her for the original comment.
"Not appropriate Sue. Of all people you should know that," tweeted Auckland psychotherapist Kyle MacDonald.