Australian lawmaker in critical condition after being hit by a car
Independent Australian MP Helen Haines was severely injured after being struck by a vehicle in front of her electorate office. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the incident was not an accident.
Independent federal Australian MP Helen Haines was severely injured after being struck by a vehicle in front of her electorate office in the city of Wangaratta, Victoria. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the incident was not an accident and appeared to be a deliberate act. The 43-year-old suspect driver was detained, while police investigations into the incident and reviews by the national counter-terrorism team are ongoing.
The independent MP, 65-year-old Helen Haines, was targeted by a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV while standing near the boot of her parked vehicle on Monday afternoon. According to eyewitness accounts, the suspect driver drove past Haines, turned the vehicle around, and struck the politician. Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke stated that the driver reversed after the initial impact and struck Haines a second time. A knife was recovered from the 43-year-old suspect, who was subdued by citizens at the scene.
Haines received initial treatment at the hospital in Wangaratta and was airlifted on Monday to a hospital in the state capital, Melbourne. Following surgery, she remains in critical condition in the hospital. Victoria Police Acting Superintendent Ashley Mason reported that the incident is being treated as an isolated case. While the suspect's identity has not yet been released, no formal charges had been laid as of Tuesday morning, and their motivation remains unknown.