Brief
Australian MP Helen Haines hit by vehicle in alleged deliberate attack
Police say the assault on independent MP Helen Haines was deliberate but isolated, with the suspect held pending charges.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Australian Federal Police (AFP) said a 43‑year‑old man from Tarrawingee, Victoria, deliberately rammed a Toyota Land Cruiser into independent federal MP Helen Haines outside her office in Wangaratta on Monday. The incident, described by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as a "deliberate act," left the 65‑year‑old MP in critical condition after she lost a leg during emergency surgery.
AFP statements indicated the suspect is in custody and authorities are considering charges, including the offence of causing harm to a Commonwealth public official, which carries a maximum ten‑year prison term. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke told ABC Radio that witnesses reported Haines was struck twice before a bystander intervened.
Barber Ricky Jefferies, who was nearby, restrained the driver and removed a knife after initially believing the event was a traffic accident. "I heard a loud bang with no brakes. It was crazy; I just ran out to the front to see what's happening," Jefferies said to reporters.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed shock on X, calling the attack "deeply disturbing" and wishing Haines a full recovery. Albanese noted a recent rise in threats against politicians, saying the "temperature has increased in recent times". The AFP said no further threats are known and the case remains under investigation.
Key facts
- Helen Haines was struck by a Toyota Land Cruiser outside her Wangaratta office on 2026-10-20. (aljazeera.com)
- The suspect, a 43‑year‑old man from Tarrawingee, is in police custody. (aljazeera.com)
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the act as deliberate. (aljazeera.com)
- Haines lost a leg and remains in critical condition at Alfred Hospital. (aljazeera.com)
- Bystander Ricky Jefferies restrained the driver and removed a knife. (aljazeera.com)
Sources
- [1] aljazeera.com — originally reported as “‘Deliberate’ car ramming of Australian MP an isolated incident, police say”
