Australian MP Dr Helen Haines has lost both of her legs following a suspected targeted car attack in Wangaratta, rural Victoria, her husband Phil has confirmed.
Dr Haines, the independent MP for the region, was seriously injured when a Toyota Land Cruiser pinned her against a car on Monday afternoon, October 19. She was allegedly attacked by Brendan Nugent in the small city she represented.
Husband confirms injuries
Speaking outside The Alfred Hospital in central Melbourne, Phil Haines described the incident as “a horrendous incident” that caused “significant injuries” to his wife.
“Helen’s left leg was amputated. We had been hoping the right leg has been saved but as of today the surgeons have removed her right leg,” he said. “The good news is Helen is alive and stable. That’s the most important thing for her family.”
National reaction
Australia’s Governor-General, Sam Mostyn, who represents King Charles in the country, said: “Australia is still reeling from the shock of this terrible attack. People are dumbfounded and finding it hard to understand the scale of the tragedy.”
Brendan Nugent appeared in court for the first time, charged with intentionally causing serious injury, dangerous driving causing serious injury and causing harm to a federal official. He did not speak during the short hearing at Wangaratta Magistrates Court and was remanded into custody ahead of his next court appearance in February.
Investigation continues
Police said Nugent, 43, could yet face more charges. A motive for the attack remains unclear, but officers are continuing to investigate why it took place, Victoria Police Commissioner Mike Bush said.
The attack only stopped when bystanders intervened to wrestle the driver from behind the wheel and took a knife from him, barber Ricky Jeffries said. Mr Jeffries has been hailed as a hero by police and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, something he has dismissed, pointing out multiple people ran to Dr Haines’ aid with regard for their own safety.
They were thanked by a Haines family statement in the hours after the incident. A statement issued by the Nugent family revealed Dr Haines had been a friend for “more than 20 years”, adding “what happened to her yesterday is devastating and unfathomable”.
