Crime & Public Safety
Helen Haines critically injured in car attack, police say
Australian independent lawmaker Helen Haines was critically injured after being deliberately struck by a car outside her office in Wangaratta, Victoria, on Monday, authorities said.
Victoria Police Acting Superintendent Ashley Mason said a 65-year-old woman suffered critical injuries in the attack. Police did not identify the victim, in line with Australian police custom, but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese named Haines when speaking to journalists.
Police said the attack happened in Wangaratta, just over 200 kilometres northwest of Melbourne. Mason said the 43-year-old male driver was detained by civilians and then arrested by police.
Albanese said the alleged attacker's motive remained unknown and that the counter-terrorism squad had been activated.
“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,” Albanese said.
Update
Police said the 43-year-old male driver was detained by civilians before being arrested.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the alleged attacker's motive remained unknown.
Albanese said the counter-terrorism squad had been activated.
Albanese publicly named Helen Haines and wished her a full recovery.
Source note: AFP news report published on 19 October 2026 at 08:50:59 UTC.
Update
The wounded lawmaker was identified as independent MP Helen Haines.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the incident happened near Haines's office.
Albanese described it as a serious incident and said a suspect was in custody.
Albanese said he was praying for Haines's full recovery.
Source note: AFP news report published on 19 October 2026 at 08:17:30 UTC.
Uncertainty notes
The alleged attacker's motive is unknown.
Police did not identify the victim in the supplied account, although Prime Minister Anthony Albanese publicly referred to Helen Haines.
The supplied material does not give further details on Haines's medical prognosis.
Source
AFP news report published on .