Barber Recounts Subduing Alleged Attacker of Australian MP Helen Haines
Ricky Jefferies describes wrestling the man accused of driving into MP Helen Haines from his vehicle and disarming him until police arrived.
A local barber is being hailed as a hero after recounting how he intervened to stop the alleged attack on federal Member for Indi, Helen Haines.
Ricky Jefferies, owner of a barber shop next door to Haines's electorate office in Wangaratta, described dragging the accused driver from a white LandCruiser, kicking away a flick knife, and pinning him to the ground until police arrived.
'It happened directly out the front of my shop,' Jefferies said. 'I pulled the man out of the white Landcruiser.' He added that he found a flick knife in the man's pocket, kicked it away, and then had the man sit on the ground while awaiting police, who arrived within minutes.
Haines, 65, was retrieving belongings from her car boot on Murphy Street when she was allegedly struck by the vehicle. Witnesses reported that the driver made a U-turn to ram her against another vehicle, then reversed and struck her a second time. She suffered severe lower-body injuries and was airlifted to Melbourne for emergency surgery, with fears she could lose a leg.
Brendan Nugent, 43, of Tarrawingee, was arrested at the scene. As of Tuesday morning, no charges had been laid, and counter-terrorism authorities were investigating the incident.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Jefferies's actions, calling him a hero whose quick thinking may have prevented further harm. "It's got to be said here that at this dark and terrible time, an element of light is the fact that a Good Samaritan, someone rushed to Helen's defence in Wangaratta … and that person is a hero today," Albanese told Nine Network.
Albanese stated that the attack appeared to be deliberate and not an accident. He also commented on a concerning rise in threats against politicians, urging for a more respectful political discourse.
Haines, an independent MP, is known for her advocacy on integrity in politics, rural issues, and healthcare. She played a significant role in establishing the National Anti-Corruption Commission and has also been vocal on climate action and foreign policy matters, including the conflict in Gaza.
Haines' family released a statement thanking bystanders and health workers for their assistance and asking for privacy. Jefferies returned to work the following day. community members expressed support for Haines, with some wearing 'this is not us' shirts and leaving flowers at her office.