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Police Charge Nugent Over 4WD Attack on Helen Haines

By Drooid · Oct 24, 2026, 6:00 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Nugent Rammed MP

Brendan Nugent rammed Independent MP Helen Haines with a 4WD in Wangaratta.
Helen Haines, 65, suffered a leg amputation and remains in critical but stable condition.
Victoria Police charged Nugent with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and harming a Commonwealth public official.
Police have not ruled out additional charges, including attempted murder.
A local barber restrained Nugent and removed a knife from his vehicle.

Summary

Community Holds Vigils

Hundreds attended community vigils in Wangaratta and Wodonga to honor Helen Haines.
Former Indi MP Cathy McGowan joined the Wodonga vigil and called for unity against political violence.
Over $350,000 was donated to Save the Children in Haines’ name within 24 hours.
Victoria Police noted specialist units are addressing a record wave of threats to MPs.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 New South Wales MP John Newman was shot twice in his Cabramatta car park on 5 September, a killing ordered by businessman Phuong Ngo. The 2024 deliberate ramming of Independent MP Helen Haines in Wangaratta by Brendan Nugent revived fears of political violence, prompting Victoria Police to expand specialist threat units and Parliament to tighten security.

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Nugent Rammed MP

Brendan Nugent rammed Independent MP Helen Haines with a 4WD in Wangaratta.
Helen Haines, 65, suffered a leg amputation and remains in critical but stable condition.
Victoria Police charged Nugent with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and harming a Commonwealth public official.
Police have not ruled out additional charges, including attempted murder.
A local barber restrained Nugent and removed a knife from his vehicle.

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