Australian MP Helen Haines was critically injured in a suspected car attack outside her office in Wangaratta, Victoria, with police charging a 43-year-old man with multiple offenses including dangerous driving and causing harm to a public official.
Haines, 65, suffered critical lower-body injuries after being struck by a white Toyota SUV, with one leg amputated following surgery. Brendan Nugent, the accused, is set to appear in court Wednesday, with police alleging the incident was targeted. Nugent's family stated they had known Haines for over 20 years and expressed support for her recovery.
Police have joined a counterterrorism investigation into the attack, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese noting the incident appears deliberate. The attack follows a rise in threats against public officials, with Haines, an independent MP since 2019, described as a respected community figure.
A local barber intervened to restrain the driver, describing the incident as 'devastating' and emphasizing the need for community support during Haines' recovery.