An Australian man, 43, faces multiple charges over an alleged attack that left independent MP Helen Haines in critical but stable condition. His father says the family has been friends with the lawmaker for more than 20 years.
A 43-year-old man has been charged after Australian parliamentarian Helen Haines was allegedly struck twice by a car outside her office in Wangaratta, in the state of Victoria.
Police say they will allege that the incident was targeted. The suspect is expected to appear in court on Wednesday to face charges of dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a public official under federal law.
Haines, 65, remains in a critical but stable condition at a Melbourne hospital, where she underwent surgery after being airlifted from the scene.
Suspect’s Family Says They Have Known MP for Years
The suspect’s father, Rod Nugent, and his partner, Christine Cunningham, said they had been friends with Haines for more than two decades.
In a statement, they described the incident as a “shocking and horrific crime” and expressed their support for the injured lawmaker and her family.
They also thanked the residents and police officers who came to Haines’s aid and pledged to assist Victoria Police with its investigation.
Local media have named the alleged attacker as environmental activist Brendan Nugent. Police have not established a motive in the information provided in their latest statement.
How the Alleged Attack Happened
According to accounts reported by Australian media, the driver allegedly made a U-turn before striking Haines outside her office. He is also alleged to have reversed and hit her a second time.
The MP was reportedly pinned between two vehicles, sustaining injuries that required emergency treatment and surgery. Australian broadcaster ABC reported that she lost one leg, while doctors were also fighting to save her other leg.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
Bystanders Rushed to Help
People nearby intervened after the alleged attack, helping Haines and confronting the driver.
Local barber Ricky Jefferies told reporters that he pulled the suspect from the vehicle and removed a knife from his pocket, saying he felt uncomfortable with the man’s movements.
Jefferies played down suggestions that he was a hero, describing his actions as those of someone who had an opportunity to intervene.
Victoria Police said a highway patrol unit was nearby and arrived at the scene within eight seconds of receiving the call.
Officers have also searched a property in Tarrawingee, about 60 kilometres from Wangaratta.
Police Say No Further Threat Is Known
Police said the incident appeared to be isolated and that there were no other known threats connected to the case. Officers will maintain a presence in Wangaratta as investigations continue.
The town’s main street, where Haines’s office is located, reopened to traffic on Tuesday. Residents have continued to leave flowers outside the office and gather to pay their respects.
At a vigil in a local cathedral, community members lit candles and offered prayers for the MP and her family.
One message left among the flowers read: “May you recover quickly and continue to be a light in this world.”
Who Is Helen Haines?
Haines represents the federal electorate of Indi as an independent member of Australia’s parliament. She won the seat in 2019 and has become a prominent crossbench politician, known for building relationships across party lines.
The alleged attack has left her community and the wider country in shock as police pursue the case and her recovery continues.
The suspect has been charged, and the allegations against him have yet to be determined by a court.
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