Australian barber hailed as hero after lawmaker attack
An Australian barber, Ricky Jefferies, is being praised for intervening after a man allegedly drove a car into lawmaker Helen Haines in Wangaratta. Jefferies disarmed the attacker and held him until police arrived, while Haines remains in critical condition following the incident.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the vulnerability of public officials and the role of bystander intervention in preventing further harm during violent attacks.
Barber Ricky Jefferies speaking to the media a day after tackling a man who attacked Australian politician Helen Haines.
Listen Summarise Australian barber Ricky Jefferies stopped a man after a car hit lawmaker Helen Haines in Wangaratta. He said he heard a “loud bang” and acted to protect her. Haines, 65, was airlifted to hospital and had surgery overnight. She remains in a critical condition after the attack shocked Australia. Police and counterterrorism authorities are investigating the alleged attack. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Jefferies as a hero, but he said he was only “a person who had an opportunity to intervene.” AI generated
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