Independent Australian MP Helen Haines struck by car in Wangaratta

A car struck 65-year-old independent Australian MP Helen Haines on Monday, leaving her with serious injuries. Authorities say the incident may have been deliberate. The case is significant because an elected politician was targeted, and a counter-terrorism unit has joined the investigation.

What happened

Haines was hit outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, a town roughly 200 kilometres northwest of Melbourne, one of Australia's largest cities. As an independent, she does not belong to any political party.

The driver of the vehicle has been detained. His motive has not yet been established, and the authorities are continuing their inquiries.

The prime minister's response

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as an attack and stressed that it was not an accident. Speaking to journalists, he said that at this extremely difficult moment all thoughts were with Haines, her family, friends, team and community. He added that people were praying for her full recovery.

The authorities have not yet released further details about the MP's condition or the identity of the detained driver. The investigation is ongoing, and it will seek to establish why the attack took place.