Arabic version: الشرطة لا تستبعد توجيه اتهامات إضافية بشأن الهجوم على هاينز

According to ABC News, Victoria Police and the Australian Federal Police have not ruled out further serious charges against Brendan Nugent, 43, following the alleged attack on Indi MP Helen Haines in Wangaratta on Monday.

Nugent has been charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said the investigation was “far from complete” and that attempted murder was among the possible further charges police had not excluded.

Haines, 65, remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition. She lost a leg after the incident, while surgeons at Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital continue trying to save her other leg. Bush said officers in Wangaratta arrived at the scene within eight seconds and that their actions prevented further serious harm.

Police believe the alleged attack was deliberate but isolated, Bush said. He said there were no “intelligence holdings” against Nugent and no information indicating he was an immediate threat. Investigators are examining whether Nugent was involved in the sovereign citizen movement or whether the alleged attack was personal, with his motivation a central focus.

AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said unlawful behaviour targeting parliamentarians was increasing, with almost one person each week charged over alleged conduct directed at Commonwealth officials. Victoria Police said it would use its state command and coordination centre to monitor political threats, particularly in the lead-up to the election.