Anti-Israel climate campaigner arrested over ramming of Australian MP Helen Haines is the son of her long-time 'family friends'
Brendan Nugent, 43, from Tarrawingee, posted about Gaza and described himself online as a 'plant person'. He once tagged Haines while backing her 2019 election campaign. His father, Rod Nugent, called the attack 'devastating and unfathomable' and said the MP had been their friend for 20 years. Nugent has not been charged, and anti-terrorism police have yet to establish a motive.
Neighbours claim Nugent threatened to kill a man and ran over a family dog.
Local barber Ricky Jefferies tackled the driver while Haines was reportedly pinned under the car.
In a twist, Haines herself followed the 'pro-Gaza' X account under Nugent's name.
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