Australia: MPs apparently attacked by car - life-threatening injuries

Australian MP Helen Haines was apparently the victim of a targeted attack. She was captured by an SUV in front of her constituency office in the state of Victoria and taken to a hospital in Melbourne with serious injuries. According to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, security forces arrested a suspect, but his motive is so far unclear. Anti-terrorism investigators were also involved. The broadcaster ABC spoke of a “shocking incident”.

According to police, the 43-year-old man Haines rammed in the afternoon with a white Toyota. The independent MP (65) reportedly suffered serious injuries, especially on the lower body. In the vehicle, the investigators secured a knife. Whether the suspect and Haines knew each other, is not yet known.

“There is an extensive police investigation underway and I can confirm that a suspect is in custody,” Albanese told reporters. It is still too early to provide information on the possible background. “But that was not an accident,” he said.

The visibly shocked Prime Minister expressed concern about the state of the politician. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and team. We hope and pray that she will fully recover, he said.

Interior Minister Tony Burke pointed to an increase in threats and harassment against MPs and other high-ranking officials. However, the investigation into the incident in Wangaratta northeast of Melbourne was still at the beginning.

Haines has represented the Indi constituency in Parliament since 2019 and was confirmed for a third term in the 2025 election. The constituency includes large parts of northeast Victoria, including the cities of Wangaratta, Wodonga and Benalla.