The father of a man suspected of attacking Australian MP Helen Haines has revealed that the politician was a family friend of more than 20 years, describing the incident as “devastating and unfathomable.
Haines, 65, remains in critical but stable condition after she was struck by a car outside her office in Victoria. She has reportedly lost a leg following the attack.
Local media identified the suspect as Brendan Nugent, 43, an environmental campaigner from Wangaratta.
His father, Rod Nugent, and his father’s partner, Christine Cunningham, released a statement expressing shock over the incident and sympathy for the injured politician.
“We would like to sincerely thank members of the local community and police who came to Helen’s aid yesterday after the shocking and horrific crime.”
“Helen Haines is a deeply respected, valued and much loved member of our local community.
“All of our love and all of our thoughts are with Helen and her family and friends.”
Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the suspect allegedly made a U-turn to strike Haines before reversing his vehicle and ramming her a second time.
Witnesses described how members of the public intervened immediately after the attack.
Local barber Ricky Jefferies said he pulled the suspect from the vehicle and threw away a knife he had been carrying.
“A lot of people got involved immediately,” Jefferies said, adding that one person positioned themselves in front of the suspect’s moving vehicle in an attempt to stop him.
The incident has left the local community shaken, with the suspect’s family joining residents in expressing support for Haines and those close to her.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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