Helen Haines live Updates: Haines lost one of her legs in the tragic attack

The Independent Federal MP for Indi, Australia, Helen Haines was attacked and is in a critical condition at Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital after being struck by a vehicle twice. Haines lost one of her legs.

News Source: https://www.theguardian.com/international

After being hit by a car twice in an apparent targeted attack, Helen Haines, the independent federal MP for Indi, is in critical condition at Melbourne's Alfred Hospital. On Monday, October 19, 2026, at around 3:35 PM, the incident took place outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, northern Victoria.

According to witnesses, a four-wheel drive car made an abrupt U-turn before purposefully running the 65-year-old congressman over twice. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese later hailed Rick Jefferies, a local barber, as an amazing illustration of the courageous Australian spirit for rushing into danger to stop the vehicle. Emergency personnel were on the scene in a hurry. Dr. Haines was transported by air to a renowned trauma center located in Melbourne. Teams of surgeons battled on Tuesday to salvage her remaining leg after medical officials confirmed that she had lost one due to the collision. Her status is still critical yet stable.

Brendan Nugent, 43, has been arrested by police at the Wangaratta police station. Nugent, a Tarrawingee native with a master's degree in forest ecosystems science, is recognized as a longtime forestry advocate. The investigation has been taken over by a joint counterterrorism unit, which claims that this seems to be a singular occurrence with no more significant ongoing risks. Serious charges, such as the crime of causing injury to a Commonwealth officer, which has a maximum sentence of ten years in jail, are presently being finalized by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Victoria Police.

The incident shows the growing concerns about public officials' safety; according to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), there have been 1,067 registered security incidents in the past year, a sharp increase in threats and harassment directed at politicians. In support of the well-liked regional MP, Wangaratta locals staged a community prayer vigil at the Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral.

FAQs:

Q: Who is Helen Haines?

A: Helen Haines is the independent federal MP for Indi, Australia.

Q: What happened to Helen Haines?

A: On Monday, October 19, 2026, at around 3:35 PM, The Independent Federal MP for Indi, Australia, Helen Haines. After being hit by a car twice in an apparent targeted attack, she is in critical condition at Melbourne's Alfred Hospital.

Q: What is Helen Haines’s current medical condition?

A: At Melbourne's Alfred Hospital, her status is critical but stable. On Monday night, she was taken to the hospital, where doctors had to amputate one of her legs. Medical personnel are working to preserve her other limb as of Tuesday, October 20.

Q: Who attacked Helen Haines?

A: Brendan Nugent, 43, has been arrested by police at the Wangaratta police station. Nugent, a Tarrawingee native with a master's degree in forest ecosystems science, is recognized as a longtime forestry advocate.

Q: Who stopped the vehicle during the attack on Helen Haines?

A: Rick Jefferies, a local barber, as an amazing illustration of the courageous Australian spirit for rushing into danger to stop the vehicle.