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- Suspect faces three charges, including federal offense of harming a Commonwealth public official, as MP Helen Haines remains in critical condition
UPDATES WITH THREE CHARGES FILED AGAINST SUSPECT, INCLUDING FEDERAL OFFENSE OF HARMING A COMMONWEALTH PUBLIC OFFICIAL, COURT APPEARANCE SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY
By Faisal Mahmud
ISLAMABAD (AA) – Australian police have charged a 43-year-old man over an alleged targeted attack on federal lawmaker Helen Haines, who lost a leg after being struck by a vehicle Monday afternoon outside her electorate office in Victoria, local media reported Tuesday.
Brendan Nugent was charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and the federal offense of causing harm to a Commonwealth public official, according to ABC News.
Victoria Police alleged the attack was targeted.
The federal offense carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Nugent will remain in custody overnight before appearing at Wangaratta Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said federal authorities were working with Victoria Police to identify potential charges.
Helen Haines, 65, remains in critical condition at Melbourne's Alfred Hospital following emergency surgery, with doctors fighting to save her other leg, according to ABC News.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described Haines as a "thoroughly decent human being" respected across parliament.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said a bystander restrained the driver following the attack.
Parliament condemned the incident Tuesday, with Albanese describing Haines as a "thoroughly decent human being."
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor called it "a shocking day for our nation," while House Speaker Milton Dick urged politicians to engage respectfully despite political differences.
A joint investigation involving federal police, Victoria Police and intelligence agency ASIO is underway.
