Helen Haines has lost her legs after an alleged attack. Here’s what we know so far
News Source
•Wed, 21 Oct 2026 07:58:55 GMT
📰 What Happened
Independent MP Helen Haines has lost both legs after an alleged attack outside her office in Wangaratta, Victoria. A four-wheel drive hit her about 3.35pm on Monday. The 65-year-old is in a stable condition at Melbourne's Alfred hospital.
Brendan Nugent, 43, was charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and harming a Commonwealth public official. Police allege the attack was targeted. He did not ask for bail and will stay in custody until 4 February.
🔍 The Backstory
Witnesses told the home affairs minister the driver did a U-turn, rammed Haines against a vehicle, then reversed and hit her again. A local barber held the man until police arrived. Officers seized a knife from the car.
Victoria police, the AFP, Asio and counter-terrorism investigators are working on the case. The motive is not known. Threats against federal MPs rose to more than 1,060 in 2025-26, up from about 950 the year before.
🎯 Why It Matters
A local MP was attacked in daylight outside her own office. It raises hard questions about how safe politicians and their staff really are.
Independent MP Helen Haines has lost both legs after an alleged attack outside her office in Wangaratta, Victoria. A four-wheel drive hit her about 3.35pm on Monday. The 65-year-old is in a stable condition at Melbourne's Alfred hospital.
Brendan Nugent, 43, was charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and harming a Commonwealth public official. Police allege the attack was targeted. He did not ask for bail and will stay in custody until 4 February.
Witnesses told the home affairs minister the driver did a U-turn, rammed Haines against a vehicle, then reversed and hit her again. A local barber held the man until police arrived. Officers seized a knife from the car.
Victoria police, the AFP, Asio and counter-terrorism investigators are working on the case. The motive is not known. Threats against federal MPs rose to more than 1,060 in 2025-26, up from about 950 the year before.
A local MP was attacked in daylight outside her own office. It raises hard questions about how safe politicians and their staff really are.