Australian MP Haines was hit twice by a car and had one leg amputated but is still in critical condition

Australian media reported today that independent MP Helen Haines was deliberately hit twice by a vehicle yesterday, causing her to lose one leg. Doctors are working to save her other leg and she is still in critical condition.

Agence France-Presse reported that political violence is relatively rare in Australia, but records from law enforcement agencies show that threats and insults against elected officials have continued to increase in recent years.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the attack was "a test of our character" and called on people to express support for Haines. Haines is widely recognized for his efforts to promote political transparency and fight corruption.

Haines, 65, entered Congress in 2019 and worked as a nurse and midwife before entering politics; she is known for her support for strengthening climate action and other positions.

At around 3:35 pm yesterday, Haynes was hit by a Toyota Land Cruiser outside his office in Wangaratta, a town more than 200 kilometers northeast of Melbourne.

Albanese said Haynes was retrieving items from the trunk of his car when the attack occurred. A driver hit her with an SUV, then turned around and hit her again. "This was obviously a deliberate act," Albanese said.

The 43-year-old man driving Brendan Nugent was restrained by local barber Ricky Jefferies, who was hailed as a "hero".

Nugent was arrested and police found a knife in his car. Australian media reported that Nugent was already known to police.

Victoria Police said Nugent was charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, voluntarily causing serious injury and injuring a public officer contrary to federal law.

Nugent remains in custody and police said he will appear in court tomorrow. The case is still under investigation by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), counter-terrorism squads and Victorian law enforcement officers.