Man Arrested in Attack on Australian MP Identified as Anti-Israel Climate Campaigner
Brendan Nugent, 43, faces charges after Helen Haines was struck by a vehicle outside her Victoria office.
The man arrested in connection with a vehicle attack on Australian Member of Parliament Helen Haines has been identified as Brendan Nugent, 43, a radical anti-Israel and climate campaigner. Haines remains in critical condition after suffering severe lower-body injuries and losing a leg when she was struck by a car outside her office in Victoria on Monday afternoon.
Witnesses reported that a white Toyota Land Cruiser drove past Haines as she collected items from the boot of her car, then made a U-turn and rammed her twice. A barber, Ricky Jefferies, intervened and subdued Nugent until police arrived.
Nugent, who is in police custody and will undergo a mental health assessment, has had past interactions with Haines on social media, including posts about climate change. However, recent posts have focused on the conflict in Gaza. Authorities are investigating the incident, with Acting Superintendent Ashley Mason stating the focus will be on determining the motivation and nature of the act.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the incident appeared to be a deliberate act. Haines, an independent MP elected in 2019, is known for her advocacy on climate change and for calling for sanctions on Israel and a ceasefire in Gaza.
Locals have gathered outside Haines' office to lay flowers and leave notes. Opposition leader Angus Taylor echoed concerns about political violence, stating that "Australia cannot become a place where violent attacks are normalized."