MP Helen Haines Hospitalised After Car Attack in Wangaratta

Victoria Police arrested a 43-year-old Tarrawingee man Monday afternoon, executing a search warrant this morning at his Great Alpine Road property. Anti-terrorism police now oversee the investigation.

Police allege the man drove a Toyota LandCruiser. A 2018 photograph shows a 1997 Toyota LandCruiser bearing the same number plate as the vehicle reportedly used in the incident.

Witnesses described the driver making a U-turn, then ramming Dr. Haines with the vehicle twice. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated early investigations suggested the car hit Haines as she loaded or unloaded her vehicle.

Ricky Jefferies, a witness, restrained the attacker and removed a knife. Cody Lepoidevin, an employee at High Country Roadhouse, also assisted Haines and detained Nugent until police arrived. A knife was found inside the vehicle.

Nugent's family has maintained a friendship with Dr. Haines for more than 20 years. Despite this long-standing connection, Nugent has posted about environmental and political issues on social media since at least 2022.

His X account featured posts concerning Israel's war in Gaza, environmental issues, and an alleged 'satanic child sexual abuse material network'. One post from Brendan Nugent's X Account stated: "Would've been nice to include a politician who takes climate change seriously, such as yourself."

Nugent is a forestry campaigner in Victoria's north-east and holds a masters of forest ecosystems science from The University of Melbourne. Victoria’s police chief Mike Bush and AFP commissioner Krissy Barrett are scheduled to give a press conference in Melbourne at 9 am.

AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated the attack was an 'isolated incident' with no known connected threats. Victoria Police will maintain an enhanced presence in Wangaratta.