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Australian politician who was intentionally hit by car loses both her legs
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- Australian lawmaker Helen Haines, 65, had both legs amputated after being critically injured in a targeted car attack near her office in Wangaratta, Victoria; she is now in stable condition at a Melbourne hospital.
- Brendan Nugent, 43, has been charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and harming a public official, with authorities investigating possible extremist anti-government motives.
- The attack has raised concerns about increasing threats and abuse toward Australian politicians, with reported incidents doubling between 2021 and 2025, prompting calls for greater civility and respectful political discourse.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other officials emphasized the need to reduce polarization and highlighted the growing dangers faced by elected representatives amid rising extremist views online.
- The incident has drawn comparisons to past political violence internationally, underscoring a global trend toward increased hostility and division in political environments.
