Justice · Wangaratta, Victoria, Australia · October 21, 2026

Australian MP Helen Haines loses both legs after alleged car attack

Reported by 5 outlets · first reported Oct 21, 2:27 AM ET

Independent MP Helen Haines, 65, had both legs amputated after being struck by a car outside her electoral office, and her husband said she is stable. Brendan Nugent, 43, was charged, appeared in court in Wangaratta and was denied bail. The federal police chief warned of a febrile political environment, with one person charged weekly over threats to MPs.

Why it matters

Security agencies are reviewing protections for MPs' homes and offices after the attack.

Background

Haines represents the rural Victorian seat of Indi as an independent. Australian authorities have reported rising threats against politicians.

The story so far

1. Oct 19Australian MP Helen Haines critically injured in alleged deliberate car attack
2. Oct 20Man charged after Australian MP Helen Haines struck by car
3. Oct 21Australian MP Helen Haines loses both legs after alleged car attack
4. Oct 22Australian MP Helen Haines loses both legs after alleged car attack
5. Oct 24Australian MP Helen Haines now stable after alleged attack

Follow the whole story →

Sources

• BBC News ↗Oct 21, 3:56 AM ET
• The Guardian ↗Oct 21, 2:27 AM ET
• CBC News ↗Oct 21, 6:15 AM ET

This summary was written automatically from the reporting linked above; follow the sources for the full story. How One Turn works.

See it on the globe →All of Oct 21's stories