Assassination attempt on Australian MP: He crashed with a car in front of his office

A vehicle attack was carried out against independent MP Helen Haines in Wangaratta, Victoria, Australia.

According to Reuters, in the incident that took place in front of Haines' office, a driver deliberately hit the deputy with his vehicle.

Haines, who was seriously injured, was taken to hospital by air ambulance. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victoria Police announced that the MP's health condition is critical.

Victoria Police Interim Chief Constable Ashley Mason stated that the attack took place on Murphy Street in Wangaratta.

According to Mason's statement, the 43-year-old suspect hit Deputy Haines with the white Toyota Land Cruiser he was driving.

People around who saw the incident intervened and prevented the driver from escaping. The suspect was later detained by the police.

A KNIFE WAS FOUND IN THE VEHICLE

Police teams examined the vehicle after the attack and seized a knife.

While the authorities stated that they are investigating whether the knife is related to the attack, they stated that no definitive finding has been reached yet regarding the cause of the incident.

Explaining that the attack was considered an isolated incident, the police announced that there was no ongoing threat to the public.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced at a press conference that an investigation is ongoing to determine the reason for the attack.

Announcing that the incident will be investigated by anti-terrorism teams, Albanese emphasized that it is not yet known whether the attack was carried out with a political motive.

Following the attack, Australian Federal Police and intelligence units were also involved in the investigation.

'SOCIAL MEDIA INCREASED THE TENSION IN POLITICS'

Speaking to Australian public broadcaster ABC, Albanese made evaluations about the increasing anger and threat of attack against politicians.

Pointing out that anonymous comments on social media platforms exacerbate political debates, Albanese stated that people easily use expressions online that they would not say face to face.

Stating that political tension has increased not only in Australia but also in different countries of the world, Albanese emphasized that it is important for democratic life for MPs to be able to establish direct contact with the society.

Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced that reports of threats and harassment against politicians and senior public officials in the country have increased in the last year.

According to the data shared by Burke, the number of notifications, which was 951 in the previous period, increased to 1,067 in the last year.

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor condemned the attack and said that the country should not become a place where violence is normalized.

SUPPORT MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER TO HAINES' FAMILY

65-year-old Helen Haines, who has been serving as an independent MP in parliament since 2019, worked as a nurse, midwife and academic before entering politics.

Prime Minister Albanese sent a message of support to Haines' family and relatives after the attack, stating that they hope for the MP's full recovery.

Haines' family also made a statement on social media, thanking the citizens, healthcare professionals and police teams who intervened during the incident.