Australian lawmaker Helen Haines is in critical condition after being deliberately struck by a car outside her office in Wangaratta, police and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, reports BritPanorama.
Victoria Police have arrested a 43-year-old man following the incident, which occurred in Wangaratta, located around three hours’ drive northeast of Melbourne.
Haines, aged 65, was airlifted to hospital after the attack, according to Albanese.
In a statement, Albanese expressed his support: “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.”
Acting Superintendent Ashley Mason confirmed at a news conference that there is no further threat to the public following the incident.
Albanese remarked that it is too early to establish the motive behind the attack, although a terrorism task force will investigate the individual who has been arrested.
“We thank the swift assistance of bystanders and the dedicated health workers who assisted her, and police for their response,” a statement from Haines’ family shared on her Facebook page read.
