Independent Australian MP Helen Haines seriously injured in suspected car attack
Helen Haines, an independent member of Australia's parliament, was critically injured when an SUV struck her outside her constituency office in Wangaratta. Police and counterterrorism investigators are probing the incident, and a 43-year-old man has been arrested.
Australian police are investigating a suspected car attack that left independent federal MP Helen Haines critically injured. The incident took place outside her constituency office in Wangaratta, a town northeast of Melbourne, the capital of the state of Victoria. Counterterrorism investigators have joined the inquiry.
According to police, the 65-year-old lawmaker was hit by an SUV described as a white Toyota. Her injuries are serious and mainly affect the lower body.
Driver arrested
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the driver, a 43-year-old man, has been arrested. Investigators are reported to have found a knife inside the vehicle.
Prime minister's comments
Speaking to the broadcaster ABC, Albanese said the event was not an accident and that it appeared to be a deliberate act. He added that it was too early to speculate about a possible motive. At a separate press conference, he said everyone was praying for her full recovery.
Although it has not yet been formally established that the incident was intentional, threats and harassment directed at lawmakers and other senior public officials have increased in Australia and elsewhere in recent years.
