Australian prime minister says lawmaker critically injured by car is 'no accident'
Australian lawmaker Helen Haines was critically injured after being struck by a vehicle in what authorities describe as a deliberate attack. The incident has prompted a national security investigation and raised concerns regarding the safety of politicians amid rising political polarization.
Why it matters
The attack highlights a growing trend of violence and threats against public officials, challenging Australia's tradition of accessible political leadership.
MELBOURNE, Australia — A car hit an Australian federal independent lawmaker on Monday, critically injuring her in an apparent deliberate attack, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. The driver was arrested.
Helen Haines, 65, was struck by a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV outside her electoral district office mid afternoon in the city of Wangaratta in Victoria state, a police said.
Albanese said the national counterterrorism team, incorporating police and intelligence agencies, was investigating.
"This wasn't an accident. There was a deliberate act, it would appear. We don't know what the motivation is," Albanese told Australian Broadcasting Corp.
The 43-year-old driver was arrested at the scene by a passerby. He will be interviewed in relation to the incident, police said.
"A knife was located by police and seized from inside the Toyota," police said.
"At this stage, police are investigating as to whether this was an intentional act," police added.
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