Indi MP Helen Haines has lost a leg after being pinned between two cars outside her electorate office in Victoria’s north-east.
Independent MP Helen Haines is critically injured after being hit by a car, with police probing it as a potential targeted attack.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is at the forefront of cross-party condemnation regarding the incident.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Here’s what we know about the attack on independent MP Helen Haines:
Helen Haines remains in a critical condition after undergoing surgery following an attack outside her electorate office in Wangaratta yesterday afternoon.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described the incident as a “deliberate act”, with early investigations suggesting the Toyota LandCruiser involved made a U-turn before striking the MP.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke says Haines was struck twice by the vehicle before a bystander intervened and restrained the driver until police arrived.
The man arrested over the attack has been identified as Brendan Nugent. Nugent, from Tarrawingee, east of Wangaratta, was detained by a local barber as he exited the vehicle in a citizen’s arrest. Police said a knife was later found in the vehicle. Mr Nugent is known to police and he has undergone a mental health assessment.
Mr Nugent and Ms Haines followed each other on X. The X account is being investigated by police and anti-terror authorities
Local barber Ricky Jefferies, who rushed to help Haines, says the alleged attacker was armed with a knife and that he acted to prevent further injuries.
Albanese has met with the AFP commissioner and Victorian premier in Melbourne to discuss the attack and the ongoing investigation.
ASIO director-general Mike Burgess has warned that rising grievance, intolerance and political polarisation continue to create an environment in which violence can flourish.
The attack has prompted renewed concerns about the safety of elected representatives, with several politicians speaking out about increasing threats and abuse. Albanese has urged Australians to lower the political temperature.
Helen Haines was conscious following attack
An eyewitness has described the chaotic scenes outside independent MP Helen Haines’ electorate office, saying she was conscious and in significant pain following the attack.
Cody Lepoidevin was serving customers at a nearby business when he heard the sound of a crash.
He rushed outside with others after hearing screams and immediately called Triple Zero.
Lepoidevin described the scene as horrific, saying bystanders worked together to help Haines until paramedics arrived.
He said those assisting applied tourniquets and tried to keep her calm despite her injuries.
Lepoidevin praised Haines for remaining composed despite being in considerable pain, describing her as lovely even under the circumstances.
He also revealed that bystanders restrained the driver against a wall until police arrived.
According to Lepoidevin, the driver appeared more concerned about retrieving his phone and wallet and closing his car door than the injured MP.
Police took control of the situation when they arrived.
Police operation underway at property linked to Helen Haines attack
Police are conducting an operation at a property in Tarrawingee, northeast Victoria, as investigations continue into the attack on independent MP Helen Haines.
The property, located along the Great Alpine Road, is approximately 12 kilometres from Haines’ electorate office in Wangaratta.
An unmarked police vehicle has been stationed at the entrance to the property’s long driveway, blocking access while officers carry out their operation.
Authorities have not yet released further details about the nature of the operation or the property’s connection to the attack.
Wangaratta community to hold vigil for Helen Haines
A community vigil will be held in Wangaratta at 1pm today as residents come together following the attack on independent MP Helen Haines.
The gathering will take place at Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral, with organisers arranging the service at short notice to give concerned locals an opportunity to show their support.
Independent candidate for Ovens Valley Steve Manning said the attack had come at what should have been a particularly happy time for Haines and her family.
He revealed Haines had recently become a grandmother twice, describing the past few months as a special period for the family.
Manning also raised concerns about online abuse directed at Haines in the weeks leading up to the attack.
He recalled attending the Wangaratta Show with Haines just weeks earlier, saying photographs celebrating the local community had attracted hostile comments on social media.
Manning expressed disappointment that what should have been a celebration of regional life had instead become an opportunity for personal attacks against the MP.
