Investigators probing the alleged car-ramming attack on federal MP Helen Haines are now examining whether the suspect’s hostility toward his own father and stepmother may have played a role, rather than any political motive.
Dr Haines lost both legs after Brendan Nugent allegedly struck her with his Toyota LandCruiser on Monday outside her electorate office in Wangaratta. She remains hospitalized in stable condition.
Victoria Police and the Australian Federal Police initially considered the possibility of a politically motivated attack, but have shifted focus to Nugent’s reported estrangement from his father, Rod, and stepmother, Christine Cunningham, both of whom have reportedly been close friends with Dr Haines for two decades.
Nugent, 43, is reported to have schizophrenia and a rare neurological condition. According to The Australian, investigators are exploring whether Nugent experienced a psychotic episode and targeted Dr Haines because of a grudge against his family members.
Sources told the masthead that Nugent’s last contact with his father and stepmother came ten months ago, on New Year’s Eve, when he arrived at their home and ranted at them for about ten minutes.
Nugent was charged Tuesday with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a commonwealth official, along with two drug-related charges. He was remanded in custody until February after a brief court hearing.
Family and Community Respond
Dr Haines’ husband, Phil, spoke at an emotional press conference Wednesday, confirming that both of his wife’s legs had been amputated.
“Helen’s road to recovery will be long and difficult, but we know she is a fighter. She is a determined person who will do her best with our support and love to recover, and that is what we hope for,” Phil Haines said.
In the day following the attack, Australians donated more than $350,000 to Save the Children in Dr Haines’ honor, after her husband asked supporters to give to the charity rather than send flowers.
“We are deeply moved that Helen, her husband Phil, her family and her team are thinking of children in need and we would like to thank them for their kindness,” said Matt Tinkler, chief executive of Save the Children Australia.
About 200 people gathered in Wodonga, roughly 60 kilometers from Wangaratta, on Wednesday evening for a vigil supporting the Indi MP. Many wore orange, Dr Haines’ signature campaign color, embracing one another and signing well-wishes in books set up for the occasion.
Former Indi MP Cathy McGowan, who held the seat before Dr Haines, attended the vigil and called on Australians to stand together against political violence.
“Her brain, her wisdom and her personality are still going to be with us,” McGowan told the ABC.
The Wodonga vigil followed an earlier gathering Tuesday at Wangaratta’s Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral, where hundreds prayed for Dr Haines and for the bystanders who came to her aid. Floral tributes, gifts and handwritten notes continue to pile up outside her Murphy Street electorate office.
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