Australian MP Helen Haines Critically !njured in Suspected Deliberate Car Att∆ck
Australian MP Helen Haines Critically Injured in Suspected Deliberate Car Attack
The investigation involves Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the Joint Counter-Terrorism Team.Find Police Jobs
Australian independent MP Helen Haines has been critically injured after being struck by a vehicle outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, Victoria, on Monday, in an incident police are investigating as a possible deliberate attack.
The incident occurred at about 3:30 p.m. on Murphy Street while Haines, 65, was removing items from the boot of her car. Police said she suffered severe injuries to her lower body and was taken to hospital for treatment.
A 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee was arrested in connection with the incident.
According to The Sun, the suspected attack, witnesses alleged that the driver passed Haines in a car park before turning around and striking her. A local barber reportedly intervened, pulling the driver from the vehicle and restraining him after discovering a knife in his pocket.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that Haines had been attacked and said counter-terrorism authorities were involved in the investigation. However, he said the motive remained unclear.
The investigation involves Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the Joint Counter-Terrorism Team.Find Police Jobs
Haines’ family issued a statement thanking bystanders, emergency workers and police for their prompt response. The family said Haines was receiving medical care and asked the public and media to respect their privacy while she undergoes treatment.
The incident occurred outside Haines’ electorate office in Wangaratta, a regional city in northeastern Victoria, about 250 kilometres from Melbourne. Emergency services responded shortly before 4 p.m., and the surrounding area was temporarily affected by the police operations.
Haines, a former nurse, midwife and health researcher, was first elected in 2019 as the independent federal member for Indi. She retained the seat in subsequent federal elections and represents communities across northeastern Victoria.
The investigation remains ongoing, with police expected to establish the circumstances of the collision and determine whether the attack was politically motivated. No motive has been officially confirmed.
