MP connects death threats to Mob visit

National MP Simeon Brown has received death threats that he says is a result of his criticism of Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson’s visit to the Hamilton Mongrel Mob.

“I’ve had a number of threats come through basically saying they’re going to shoot me,” the Pakuranga MP said.

“This is obviously incredibly concerning, and I’ve taken that to the police, who are investigating.”

Asked if he was scared for him or his family, he said: “I’m taking precautions.”

A day after Davidson’s visit to a Waikato Mongrel Mob gathering on Saturday, he received three threats from what appeared to be a Mongrel Mob member — though from a different chapter.

“The Mongrel Mob are trying to put out an image that they are trying to reform, trying to be a community betterment organisation. What this says is that they’re anything but,” Brown said.

“A Minister of the Crown going to their gang pad not only gives them credibility, but emboldens them in terms of what they’re trying to do in our community. I find that absolutely shocking.”

Brown, who is the National Party spokesman for police, has criticised Davidson’s visit as an insult to victims of crime by gang members.

In a tweet Davidson, who is the Minister for the Prevention of Sexual and Family Violence, called the gathering a “fabulous community event for justice”.

A spokesperson for Davidson said she visited as Green Party co-leader and not in any ministerial capacity.