Australian MP Helen Haines hit outside office as driver is arrested
Incident outside Haines’s office
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said independent MP Helen Haines had been attacked outside her office on Monday. Police said the 65-year-old was hit by a vehicle and pinned beneath it.
Driver arrested at scene
Police said a passerby arrested the driver, a 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee, after he got out of the Toyota. He will be interviewed about the incident. Officers found and seized a knife from inside the vehicle, police said.
Investigation remains ongoing
Police said they are investigating whether the incident was intentional and have not established whether Haines and the driver knew each other. Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives were on their way to the scene.
Albanese said a major police investigation was underway and confirmed a suspect was in custody. The Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police and ASIO are working together, and the Joint Counter Terrorism Team has been activated. He said the motive was not known.
Key points
- Helen Haines was struck by a vehicle outside her Wangaratta office and pinned beneath it.
- A passerby arrested the 43-year-old driver at the scene.
- Haines was taken to hospital with critical injuries; police seized a knife from the Toyota.
- Police are investigating whether the incident was intentional, but the motive is unknown.