Australian lawmaker Helen Haines had both her legs amputated after an alleged attack with a car outside her office in Wangaratta, northeast of Melbourne, as her husband announced on Wednesday. The suspect, Brendan Nugent, a 43-year-old resident of Tarrawingee, was charged with multiple offenses including dangerous driving causing serious injury and intentionally causing serious injury, and is currently in custody.
Details of the incident
Doctors amputated Haines' left leg after the alleged attacker struck her twice with his car in Wangaratta, northeast of Melbourne, whereas her right leg was saved for days but could not be saved in the end.
Background
This incident, which is rare, comes after Haines’ election to parliament in 2019 representing the rural seat of Indi, and her re-elections in 2022 and 2025. The attack has raised concerns about the safety of politicians, including rising political polarization and increasing online abuse.