Footage Shows Alleged Attacker of MP Helen Haines Told Police to 'Shoot Me' in 2022
New video surfaces of Brendan Nugent, who is accused of driving into the Australian MP, in a prior confrontation with law enforcement.
Footage has emerged showing the man accused of driving into Independent MP Dr. Helen Haines telling police they would have to shoot him during a confrontation in 2022. The video, obtained by Nine, depicts Brendan Nugent, then 39, holding a garden stake as police confronted him.
In the footage, Nugent can be heard telling police, “now, you’re going to have to shoot me,” and later added, “you’re going to have to kill me.” Officers then deployed capsicum spray and used a Taser on Nugent. He was not charged over that 2022 confrontation.
Nugent, now 43, is accused of driving a Toyota LandCruiser into Dr. Haines, 65, outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, northern Victoria, on Monday, October 19. Dr. Haines suffered critical injuries and underwent emergency surgery at The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, losing both her legs as a result of the incident. On Saturday, her condition had improved from critical to serious but stable.
Nugent, who neighbors have said lived alone on a remote property in nearby Tarrawingee, appeared briefly in court on Wednesday. He was charged with offenses including dangerous driving causing serious harm. His lawyer informed the court that Nugent had no prior mental health diagnoses but expressed concern for his client's psychological well-being and requested an assessment.
Nugent did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody. He is scheduled to return to court in February. Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the alleged attack on Dr. Haines, including Nugent's relationship with his family. Victoria Police Commissioner Mike Bush confirmed on Friday that investigators are examining the possibility that the alleged attack was a 'proxy' for grievances involving Nugent's family.
Following the incident, Dr. Haines' office remained closed but staff are preparing to reopen. Her team issued a statement on Friday thanking the local community and supporters worldwide. "What happened on Monday has deeply affected Helen's family and all of her staff," the statement read, acknowledging that some staff witnessed the incident and assisted Dr. Haines. Her staff hope to reopen electorate offices on Thursday, while recognizing that recovery will be a lengthy process for Dr. Haines and her team.