An Australian politician named Helen Haines has now lost both of her legs after she was struck by a car in a horrific attack that authorities believe was intentional.
According to The Associated Press, a suspect was under arrest after Haines was hit by “a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV in her hometown of Wangaratta on Monday” October 19, 2026. Her husband Phil has now given reporters an update on her condition. He revealed that both of her legs were amputated, but she is expected to survive.
The suspect was identified as Brendan Nugent, and he is now charged with a swath of serious crimes in connection with the allegedly targeted attack. Haines is an independent member of Australia’s parliament. Political violence in Australia is rare but rising, and the incident is provoking soul-searching in that country.
Helen Haines’ Husband Said That the Politician Is ‘Alive & She’s Stable’
Phil Haines said the family is trying to look at the positive, namely that Haines survived the attack.
“The good news in all this is that Helen is alive and she’s stable. That is the most important thing for our family,” he told reporters, according to the AP.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the incident was intentional, according to BBC: “This wasn’t an accident. There was a deliberate act, it would appear.”
Helen Haines’ Husband Says Her ‘Heart & Her Mind’ Are Most Important
According to CBS News, the attack occurred near Helen’s office. “The two most important parts of Helen for us as a family are her heart and her mind,” Phil said. “We are grateful and thankful that at this stage, both her heart and her mind are in good shape,” he added, according to the AP.
Haines’ husband described his wife “a very compassionate, caring, loving person” with a “huge” heart.
“Helen’s road to recovery will be long and difficult, but we know she is a fighter,” he said, according to CBS News.
Brendan Nugent, the Suspect, Is Accused of Doing a U-Turn Before Striking Helen Haines
According to CBS, the suspect’s lawyer says he “suffered from idiopathic transverse myelitis, a neurological condition, as well as a concussion.”
A witness “saw the suspect do a U-turn before striking the MP and then reversing to ram her again,” BBC reported, but the motive is not clear.
The suspect’s father released a statement praising Haines and saying she was a family friend. Rod Nugent described Haines as “deeply respected, valued and much-loved member of our local community,” PBS reported.
“Helen has been our friend for more than 20 years and what happened to her yesterday is devastating and unfathomable,” the father said. According to PBS, he indicated that he would cooperate with police in the Haines’ investigation.
Australian Politician Helen Haines Loses Both Legs After Being Struck by Car in Horror Attack