Australian independent MP Helen Haines has had both legs amputated after being struck by a car in an allegedly deliberate attack, her husband, Phil Ha
Australian independent MP Helen Haines has had both legs amputated after being struck by a car in an allegedly deliberate attack, her husband, Phil Haines, announced on Wednesday.
Speaking at a press conference at The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, he said her left leg was amputated on Monday, and that surgeons were later forced to remove her right leg after hopes of saving it faded. He stressed that she is alive and stable, though she remains in critical condition.
The 65-year-old Member for Indi was reportedly unloading items from her car outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, Victoria, when a four-wheel drive struck her.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the vehicle made a U-turn before hitting her and described the incident as clearly intentional.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said witnesses reported that the driver reversed and struck her a second time before a bystander removed him from the car.
A 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee was detained at the scene by a passerby and later arrested, and police found a knife inside the vehicle.
The Australian Federal Police, ASIO and Victoria Police are investigating, and the Joint Counter-Terrorism Team has been activated, although authorities have said it is too early to determine a motive.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said police had no intelligence on the alleged attacker that pointed to an imminent risk.
The attack has drawn shock and support from across the political spectrum and prompted calls to strengthen security for politicians, in a country where such violence is rare but where officials have recorded a steady rise in threats and abuse aimed at elected officials.
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