Longtime family friends of Australian lawmaker Helen Haines speak out after car attack

An ABC News probe found that Nugent had posted material backing Gaza and questioning Israel in prior years, yet any connection to the assault on Haines stays uncertain.

Rod Nugent, father of the 43-year-old suspect Brenden Nugent, along with his partner Christine Cunningham, described themselves as longstanding family friends of independent politician Helen Haines, noting their relationship spanned more than two decades in statements to media on Tuesday.

Brenden Nugent faces accusations of intentionally ramming his vehicle into Haines outside her office on Monday.

The pair stated they intend to cooperate fully with Victoria Police during the inquiry.

Authorities have detained Brenden Nugent and filed charges including dangerous driving resulting in grave harm, deliberate infliction of serious injury, and the federal count of harming a Commonwealth official, according to BBC News.

He is scheduled to face Wangaratta Magistrates Court on Wednesday, the broadcaster noted.

Haines received hospital treatment and surgery spanning Monday night into Tuesday. Reports indicate she lost one leg while surgeons attempted to preserve the remaining limb, citing unnamed medical sources.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese informed ABC News that the incident involved clear intent, emphasizing it was no mere roadway mishap.

Haines remains in critical yet stable condition, Albanese added to the network.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke relayed to ABC News that onlookers observed the driver backing up to hit Haines again prior to intervention by a passerby.

Nugent had circulated pro-Gaza material and Israel critiques online

Separately, ABC News uncovered that Nugent distributed content supportive of Gaza and voiced opposition to Israel across social platforms over recent years.

Fact-checkers at the outlet determined he also promoted donation drives for Gaza and engaged in environmental activism, focusing on anti-deforestation efforts for several years.

The review noted Nugent had earlier commended Haines regarding her stances on climate issues.

ABC News indicated investigators located no hostile or resentful remarks directed at Haines in Nugent's prior interactions.

Nugent stayed in custody through the night and faced questioning Tuesday morning.

ABC News stated he was familiar to law enforcement and had completed a mental health evaluation, with counterterrorism personnel joining the case even as the motive stays undetermined.

Officials see no grounds at present to link Nugent's online activity about Israel and Gaza to the incident involving Haines.

Reuters contributed to this report.