Australian MP Helen Haines Critically Injured in Apparent Deliberate Hit-and-Run
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Australian Member of Parliament Helen Haines is in critical condition after being deliberately struck by a car outside her office in Victoria. The suspect, identified as Brendan Neugent, is a 43-year-old environmental and anti-Israel activist. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stated the attack was intentional. Local barber Ricky Jeffries is being hailed as a hero for disarming and restraining the suspect until police arrived.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Australian MP Helen Haines is critically injured after being deliberately run down by a car.
- The suspect, Brendan Neugent, is a 43-year-old environmental and anti-Israel activist.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the attack was intentional and not an accident.
- Haines lost one leg and doctors are attempting to save her second leg.
- Local barber Ricky Jeffries is being praised as a hero for disarming and detaining the suspect.
- Authorities are investigating the incident as potential political violence, though it is considered isolated.
Australian Member of Parliament Helen Haines is in critical condition after being deliberately run down outside her office in Wangaratta, Victoria. The 65-year-old independent MP lost one leg in the attack and doctors are fighting to save the other. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that initial findings indicate the incident was intentional, not an accident.
The suspect, identified as 43-year-old environmental and anti-Israel activist Brendan Neugent, allegedly drove his vehicle at Haines, reversed, and then struck her again. Social media accounts attributed to Neugent contain strong anti-Israel sentiments, particularly concerning the war in Gaza, and have criticized Western leaders. Police have not yet confirmed Neugent's political motivations, stating it is too early to determine what prompted the attack.
Reports indicate Neugent had past interactions with Haines on social media, including a post praising her stance on climate change. Haines herself has advocated for climate action and has also called for sanctions against Israel, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and urgent humanitarian aid.
Eyewitnesses described a white Toyota Land Cruiser hitting Haines twice. Prime Minister Albanese condemned the act as deliberate, emphasizing it was not a road accident. The suspect was arrested and remains in custody, awaiting a mental health assessment before formal questioning. Authorities confirmed he was known to police but not recently under scrutiny.
The incident has prompted a national investigation involving counter-terrorism agencies due to concerns about political violence, a rare phenomenon in Australia. However, police have not yet established a motive and believe the incident to be isolated, posing no further danger to the public.
Local barber Ricky Jeffries has been hailed as a hero for intervening after the attack. Jeffries, whose shop is next to Haines's office, heard the commotion, ran outside, disarmed the suspect of a knife, and restrained him until police arrived. Prime Minister Albanese praised Jeffries's bravery, calling him "a hero of the day" for risking his own safety to help Haines.
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