OMM Newsroom
Australian independent MP Helen Haines was in critical condition on Monday after being deliberately struck by a car outside her office in Wangaratta, police and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, according to CNN.
Victoria Police said a 43-year-old man had been arrested following the attack in Wangaratta, about a three-hour drive northeast of Melbourne. Haines, 65, was airlifted to hospital, Albanese said.
“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,” Albanese told a press conference.
Victoria Police Acting Superintendent Ashley Mason said at a press conference there was no further threat to the public.
Albanese said it was too early to determine the motive. A terrorism taskforce would investigate the arrested suspect, he said.
“We thank the swift assistance of bystanders and the dedicated health workers who assisted her, and police for their response,” Haines’ family said in a statement posted on her Facebook page.
