Australian politician targeted in car ramming attack was 'friend of suspect's family'
Meanwhile, an ABC News investigation revealed that Nugent had previously shared pro-Gaza content and criticized Israel on social media, but it is unclear if this motivated his attack on Haines.
Australian politician Helen Haines sustained serious injuries in a car ramming attack outside her office on Monday, according to her family and local authorities. The attacker, identified as Brenden Nugent, has been arrested and charged with various offenses, including dangerous driving and harming a public official. Haines, who underwent surgery to save her leg, is currently in critical but stable condition, as reported by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The attack, which occurred just outside Haines' office, was described by witnesses as deliberate, with the suspect reversing his vehicle and striking Haines a second time before a bystander intervened. Rod Nugent, the suspect's father, and his partner, Christine Cunningham, have expressed their willingness to assist Victoria Police in any way possible.
Nugent, known to local authorities and having undergone a mental health assessment, was also found to have shared pro-Gaza content on social media in recent years. However, an ABC News investigation found no evidence of anger or malice in Nugent's direct comments to Haines, nor any direct link between his online activities and the attack.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
