Australian lawmaker Helen Haines loses both legs after car attack, suspect appears in court
Helen Haines, an independent member of parliament, had both legs amputated after being struck by a vehicle outside her office, while the alleged attacker faced multiple charges in court.
Helen Haines, an independent federal lawmaker from the Indi electorate in Victoria, underwent amputation of both legs after a vehicle driven by a suspect rammed her twice outside her electoral office in Wangaratta on Monday. Doctors were able to save her left leg initially, but later both limbs were removed, officials said.
Her husband, Phil Haines, told a press conference in Melbourne that she is alive and in stable condition. The accused, 43-year-old Brendan Nugent of Tarrawingee, was charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a public official, along with separate cannabis-related offenses. He was restrained by members of the public at the scene before being taken into custody.
Police have not identified a motive and say the attack appears to be an isolated, targeted incident. Victoria Police Chief Mike Bush said investigators are focusing on the suspect’s motivation, while anti-terrorism agencies are also involved. No prior contact between Haines and Nugent was found.
During a brief court appearance, Nugent’s lawyer noted that his client suffers from a rare neurological condition, idiopathic transverse myelitis, and is being treated for a concussion. The magistrate declined to grant bail, and the case has been adjourned to February 4.
Australian officials highlighted that violent attacks on politicians are uncommon in the country, where elected representatives typically interact with the public with minimal security presence.