Australian Lawmaker Helen Haines Seriously Injured in Targeted Car Ramming

Independent MP Helen Haines suffered severe injuries, including amputations, after being struck twice by a vehicle northeast of Melbourne.

Independent Australian Member of Parliament Helen Haines was seriously injured in a targeted car ramming in the town of Wangaratta, northeast of Melbourne, The Guardian and The Jerusalem Post reported. According to The Jerusalem Post, her husband stated that doctors were forced to amputate her legs after the driver struck her twice with his vehicle.

A court ruled that the suspect, 43-year-old Brendan Nugent, will remain in custody without bail. Police stated that he deliberately rammed the lawmaker with a Toyota LandCruiser in a targeted attack, although authorities had received no prior intelligence regarding his intentions.

Following the incident, the Australian Federal Police commissioner warned of rising threats and intimidation directed at elected officials, while the state of Victoria announced heightened security measures to protect politicians.