Australian MP loses both legs in vehicle attack as suspect appears in court
Australian independent MP Helen Haines has undergone a double leg amputation after being struck by a car in a deliberate attack. The suspect, Brendan Nugent, has been charged with multiple offenses, including causing harm to a public official.
Why it matters
The attack on a sitting member of parliament raises concerns about the safety of public officials and the potential for politically motivated violence.
Independent lawmaker Helen Haines is in stable condition, her husband says, as suspect charged with three offences.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Independent MP for Indi, Helen Haines, asks a question in Australian Parliament, in Canberra, October 9, 2025 [Hilary Wardhaugh/Getty Images] By Al Jazeera Staff and Reuters Published On 21 Oct 2026 21 Oct 2026 Australian independent lawmaker Helen Haines has had both of her legs amputated after being rammed by a car outside her electoral office, her husband said, as the suspected attacker appeared in court.
Doctors amputated the MP’s left leg after an attacker hit her twice with his car in Wangaratta, northeast of Melbourne, on Monday, Phil Haines said. They tried to save her right leg but failed to do so, he told a news conference on Wednesday.
Headlinne story · 8 newsrooms
Australian Lawmaker Helen Haines Loses Both Legs After Vehicle Attack
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