Australian MP Helen Haines loses both legs after alleged targeted attack
Australian lawmaker Helen Haines suffered the amputation of both legs following a targeted car attack in Wangaratta. The suspect, Brendan Nugent, has been charged with serious injury and harming a public official, sparking national discussions regarding the rise of political violence and threats against elected officials.
Why it matters
Attacks on elected officials threaten democratic representation and highlight growing safety concerns for public servants.
MELBOURNE, Oct 21 — Australian lawmaker Helen Haines has had both legs removed, her husband told journalists today, after what police called a “targeted” attack.
Haines is in a stable condition at a Melbourne hospital after being struck by a car on Monday near her office in the town of Wangaratta, more than 200 kilometres (120 miles) northeast of the Victoria state capital.
Speaking at the hospital today, her husband Phil said that surgeons had been forced to remove both her legs.
“But the good news in all this is Helen is alive and she’s stable. That is the most important thing for our family,” he said.
“The two most important parts of Helen for us as a family are her heart and her mind,” he said.
“Her heart is huge. She is a very compassionate, caring, loving person.”
Headlinne story · 8 newsrooms
Australian Lawmaker Helen Haines Loses Both Legs After Vehicle Attack
What every outlet reported, where they differ, and how each framed it →
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in