An Australian MP is critically injured after being allegedly attacked outside her office.
Helen Haines, an independent lawmaker for the Victorian seat of Indi, was hit by a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV while she was getting things out of her boot in Wangaratta, Victoria, around 3.30pm on Monday.
Ricky Jefferies, a barber who works in the area, was hailed a “hero” after he rushed out to help, pulling a male driver from the car and performing a citizen’s arrest until police arrived, ITV News’ Australian partner 7NEWS reports.
A 43-year-old man from the nearby town of Tarrawingee was arrested and officers at the scene also located a knife inside the vehicle, Victoria Police said.
“At this stage, police are investigating as to whether this was an intentional act,” a statement said, adding that it is not yet known if the parties were known to each other.
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The Australian Federal Police, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and Victorian Police are investigating the incident, and the Joint Counter-Terrorism Team has also been activated, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
7NEWS reported that Haines had suffered severe lower body injuries.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Albanese said he was praying for Haines’ full recovery and confirmed a suspect is in custody.
He also said it was too early in the investigation to identify a motive behind the attack.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Haines is “a thoroughly decent human being” Credit: AP
“Helen Haines is incredibly hard-working, she is fiercely intelligent, but most importantly she’s just a thoroughly decent human being.
Full of integrity and respected right across the parliament and from everyone who comes into contact with her.
“She is a well-loved member of her community and this will come as an incredible shock to that community. Our thoughts remain with Helen Haines at this very difficult time.”
Albanese told the Australian Broadcasting Corp the incident “wasn’t an accident” and had been “a deliberate act”.
Minister of Home Affairs Tony Burke said there had been 1067 reports of harassing and threatening behaviour against high office holders in the last year, up from 951 the year before.
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