Independent Australian MP Helen Haines underwent a surgery last night, with doctors reportedly having to amputate her leg after she was struck by a car outside her electorate office in rural Victoria.
The PM further stated that the motive for the attack is not known yet. However, an investigation is underway, led by Victorian Police with the Australian Federal Police, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and Joint Counter Terrorism Task Force. Counter-terrorism authorities are among the agencies involved in the investigation. Authorities have described the incident as isolated, with no known related threats identified so far.
The 65-year-old politician underwent emergency surgery overnight in Melbourne after suffering severe lower-body injuries, Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported. A 43-year-old man, Brendan Nugent, was arrested at the scene, with a bystander reportedly intervening to restrain him. Police are considering potential charges, including causing harm to a Commonwealth public official, an offence that carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.
The doctors amputated one of her legs following the attack on Monday afternoon, and are fighting to save her second leg, local media reports said.
He confirmed that a suspect is under custody.
In a video posted on Instagram, Australian PM Anthony Albanese said that Haines remains in a “critical condition” after her surgery.
“It’s clear that there was a deliberate act here. This wasn’t an accident,” Reuters quoted Albanese as telling ABC News, adding that the motive remained unknown.
