The independent MP was deliberately hit by a car outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, losing both legs, while the alleged attacker faces multiple charges.
01Summary
- 01The attack occurred on Monday at 15:35 local time outside Helen Haines' electorate office in Wangaratta, Victoria.
- 02The alleged attacker, 43-year-old Brendan Nugent, appeared in court on Wednesday charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official.
- 03Haines underwent surgery and has lost both legs; her husband said she is alive and a fighter.
- 04Police said more charges, including attempted murder, may be laid, and a motive has not yet been established.
- 05Nugent was arrested at the scene after bystanders pulled him from the vehicle and detained him.
02Why it matters
The attack underscores the rare but serious threat of political violence in Australia and has sparked debate about the security of federal MPs.
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