Australian police charged a 43-year-old man over an alleged targeted car attack that critically injured independent MP Helen Haines outside her office in Wangaratta, as counterterrorism officers help investigate and authorities say the motive remains unclear.
Police named the accused as Brendan Nugent. They charged him with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. Police allege Haines was hit by a Toyota LandCruiser on Monday afternoon while she stood by her car.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the driver appeared to make a U-turn before hitting her. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said witnesses described the vehicle hitting Haines twice. A passerby intervened and held the driver until police arrived.
Haines, 65, was taken to Melbourne for emergency surgery. She remains in critical condition. Reports say she lost one leg.
Doctors are trying to save her other leg. Police have described the incident as targeted. No motive has been publicly established.
Nugent remains in custody. He is expected to appear in court on Wednesday.