An Australian lawmaker, Helen Haines, was critically injured on Monday after being struck by a vehicle outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, Victoria state, in an incident police are investigating as a possible deliberate attack.
Victoria Police said a white Toyota Land Cruiser struck the 65-year-old independent MP outside an office on Murphy Street at about 3:35 p.m. local time (0435 GMT).
A 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee, in northeastern Victoria, was arrested after a passerby reportedly detained him at the scene. Police said the suspect would be interviewed as investigators work to establish whether the incident was intentional.
“At this stage, police are investigating as to whether this was an intentional act,” police said in a statement.
Australian public broadcaster ABC identified the injured woman as Haines, who is serving her third term representing the federal electorate of Indi. She was taken to hospital with what police described as “critical injuries.”
Police also disclosed that a knife was found and seized from inside the vehicle. However, investigators said it was not yet known whether Haines and the suspect knew each other.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Haines’ family confirmed the incident in a statement, saying the lawmaker was receiving medical care following what happened outside her Wangaratta electorate office.
“This afternoon, our beloved Helen was involved in an incident outside her Wangaratta Electorate Office, and is receiving medical care,” the family said.
The family expressed gratitude to bystanders who provided immediate assistance, as well as medical personnel and police who responded to the incident.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said a major police investigation had been launched, while cautioning against drawing conclusions about the motive before investigators establish the facts.
“The joint counter-terrorism team has been activated, but the motive is not known,” Albanese said.
The prime minister added that he was unaware of any threats against Haines but said the incident appeared to have been deliberate.
Authorities have yet to announce a confirmed motive, and further details are expected as the investigation progresses.
