AFP charging almost one person a week for targeting politicians, Commissioner says
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) are charging almost one person a week for targeting federal politicians or senior office holders, AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said at a joint press conference with Victoria Police on Wednesday.
The press conference covered the investigation into the alleged attack on Indi MP Helen Haines. Victoria Police arrested Brendan Nugent, a 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee, on Monday afternoon. He has been charged with three offences: dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a commonwealth public official, which is a federal offence. He briefly appeared in court. Guardian reported that he was to be held overnight and appear at Wangaratta magistrates court on Wednesday. Police have not ruled out further charges.
Police allege Ms Haines was struck repeatedly by a Toyota LandCruiser, a four-wheel-drive vehicle, in Wangaratta in northern Victoria. AFR reported that she was repeatedly struck in the street outside her home. She was airlifted to the Alfred hospital in Melbourne for emergency surgery. She remained in critical condition, according to Guardian reporting. She has lost one leg, and surgeons were working on Tuesday to save the other.
Victoria Police said the attack was alleged to have been targeted. It appeared to be an isolated incident, with no other known connected threats. Police executed a search warrant at Mr Nugent's property on Great Alpine Road on the morning of his arrest. Police have kept an enhanced presence in Wangaratta, including the Public Order Response Team.
A highway patrol officer responded to the scene eight seconds after emergency services were called, according to Guardian reporting.
Ms Barrett said the AFP had no specific intelligence indicating that an attack like the one on Ms Haines would occur. She said people who make online threats against parliamentarians are often "absolutely shocked" when officers arrive to execute a search warrant or lay charges. Ms Barrett said the AFP is charging almost one person a week for targeting commonwealth parliamentarians or high office holders.
