Australian MP Critically Injured After Being Struck by Car; Prime Minister Calls it 'Attack'

An Australian Member of Parliament is in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle outside her electoral office, an incident Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described as a deliberate "attack."

Independent MP Helen Haines was reportedly hit by a white Toyota Land Cruiser in Wangaratta, Victoria, on Monday afternoon local time. The 65-year-old mother of three was retrieving belongings from her car boot when the vehicle allegedly struck her, pinning her beneath it.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that a 43-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident. He stated that counter-terror and security services, including the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police, and ASIO, are working together on the investigation. The Joint Counter Terrorism Team has been activated, though the motive remains unknown.

"This wasn’t an accident. There was a deliberate act, it would appear," Albanese told ABC. "We certainly hope for good news about Helen’s condition over the next 24 hours."

Victoria Police reported that a knife was seized from the vehicle and that the arrested man would be interviewed. The investigation will determine if the attack was intentional, and it is not yet known if the parties involved had a prior connection.

Haines, an independent MP elected in 2019, was previously a healthcare professional. She was transported to a hospital with severe lower body injuries.

The Prime Minister spoke with Victoria's state leader, Ben Carroll, but noted it was too early to provide further details. Albanese described Haines as "fiercely intelligent, but most importantly... a thoroughly decent human being, full of integrity and respected right across the Parliament and by everyone who comes into contact with her."

Haines' family released a statement expressing gratitude for the swift assistance from bystanders, police, and medical workers, and requested privacy.