Australian independent lawmaker Helen Haines was deliberately struck by a car and suffered “critical injuries” on Monday in what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described as an attack.
“This afternoon, our beloved Helen was involved in an incident outside her Wangaratta Electorate Office, and is receiving medical care,” her family said in a statement.
The alleged attacker’s motive remained unknown, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, with Australia’s counter-terrorism squad activated.
“This wasn’t an accident. We are praying for her full recovery. The Australian Federal Police has documented a steady rise in threats and abuse directed towards the nation’s politicians in recent years.
Haines was hurt outside her office in Wangaratta, just over 200 kilometres (124 miles) northwest of Melbourne, police said. The 43-year-old male driver was detained by civilians, Mason said, and then arrested by police, who found a knife in his car.
The 65-year-old “suffered what has been described as critical injuries”, Victoria Police Acting Superintendent Ashley Mason said, without identifying the victim in line with police custom in Australia. There was a deliberate act,” Albanese told national broadcaster ABC. He also told journalists: “All of our thoughts are with Helen, her family, her friends, her team, and her community at this extremely difficult time.
