Australian MP loses both legs after alleged vehicle attack as suspect appears in court
Australian MP Helen Haines is in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle in an alleged targeted attack. The suspect, Brendan Nugent, has been charged with multiple offenses, and police are investigating the motive behind the incident.
Why it matters
Violence against elected officials poses a significant threat to democratic processes and public safety, prompting high-level investigations.
Doctors amputated Haines's left leg after she was struck twice by a car in Wangaratta, northeast of Melbourne, on Monday, Phil Haines said. They worked for days to save her right leg but were ultimately unsuccessful, he told a news conference in Melbourne.
"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.
Brendan Nugent, a 43-year-old resident of the rural town of Tarrawingee within Haines's electorate, was charged with three offences : dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a public official.
Additional charges of cannabis cultivation and possession have also been laid against Nugent, court filings showed.
Phil Haines, left, Haines's husband, speaks to reporters alongside Australia's Governor General Sam Mostyn in Melbourne. (William West/AFP/Getty Images)
Headlinne story · 8 newsrooms
Australian Lawmaker Helen Haines Loses Both Legs After Vehicle Attack
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