Australian Independent MP Helen Haines Critically Injured in Vehicle Attack Outside Her Electorate Office; Man Arrested as Counter-Terrorism Team Investigates
Wangaratta — Independent Australian MP Helen Haines was critically injured on Monday afternoon after being struck by a vehicle outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, in Victoria's north-east, Reuters and Australian Associated Press (AAP) reported on October 19.
Victoria Police said the incident occurred at about 3:35 p.m. local time outside Dr Haines' electorate office on Murphy Street, Wangaratta's main street. A white Toyota LandCruiser struck Haines while she was taking items from the boot of her car. She suffered severe lower-body injuries, was listed in a critical condition and was rushed to hospital. A 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee was arrested at the scene, and police located and seized a knife inside the Toyota. Police were interviewing the man to determine whether the act was deliberate, and said it was not yet known whether the two parties were known to each other.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters on Monday evening that Haines had been 'attacked' outside her Wangaratta electorate office and described it as a 'serious incident.' He said a major police investigation was under way and a suspect was in custody, and that the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police and the ASIO security agency were working together, with the Joint Counter Terrorism Team activated, though the motive was not yet known and it was too early to say what had motivated the attack.
'All of our thoughts are with Helen, her family, her friends, her team, and her community at this extremely difficult time. We are praying for her full recovery. I want to thank the first responders for their extraordinary work,' Albanese said.
In a statement issued by her office, Dr Haines' family said the 65-year-old was involved in an incident outside her Wangaratta Electorate Office on Monday afternoon and was receiving medical care. The family thanked bystanders for their swift assistance, the health workers who treated her and police for their response, asked that their privacy be respected, and asked the public to keep Helen in their thoughts.
Haines has represented the regional seat of Indi as an independent since 2019, coming to prominence on a platform of political transparency and integrity, after a career as a nurse and health researcher. The police and counter-terrorism investigation is continuing, with further information on her condition and any charges against the arrested man yet to be released. (GSM, based on reporting by Reuters and AAP)
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：Helen Haines 位于 Wangaratta 的选区办公室（2022年资料照片），袭击发生于该办公室外。照片：Alison Newman / Wikimedia Commons（CC0）。 / Photo: Helen Haines' electorate office in Wangaratta (2022 file photo); the attack took place outside this office. Photo: Alison Newman / Wikimedia Commons (CC0).
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