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● LIVE Updated 1h ago · 14 sources tracked

Attacked Lawmaker Has Now Lost Both Legs

Australian federal lawmaker Helen Haines has lost both legs following a targeted car attack outside her office in Wangaratta, northeastern Victoria. The 65-year-old independent politician remains in critical condition in a Melbourne hospital after being airlifted for emergency treatment. Doctors performed the double amputation after a driver rammed her repeatedly on Monday in what her husband believes was an act of political violence. Police are investigating the incident as a deliberate attack, and Australians have organized candlelit vigils in response to the violence.

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⚡ Key Developments & Real-Time Context
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  • ✓ Australian federal lawmaker Helen Haines had both legs amputated after being hit by a car.
  • ✓ The 65-year-old independent politician is receiving treatment in a Melbourne hospital in critical condition.
  • ✓ The attack occurred outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, northeastern Victoria.
  • ✓ Her husband stated that she was hit repeatedly in what he believes was an act of political violence.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 14 independent reporting domains (100% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

Medical personnel have amputated both legs of the injured federal lawmaker while she remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Live updates

  1. Australian Lawmaker Helen Haines Loses Both Legs After Car Attack

    Australian federal lawmaker Helen Haines has lost both legs following a targeted car attack outside her office in Wangaratta, northeastern Victoria. The 65-year-old independent politician remains in critical condition in a Melbourne hospital after being airlifted for emergency treatment. Doctors performed the double amputation after a driver rammed her repeatedly on Monday in what her husband believes was an act of political violence. Police are investigating the incident as a deliberate attack, and Australians have organized candlelit vigils in response to the violence.

    Why it matters

    The brutal assault has left Australian politicians deeply unsettled as concerns mount over safety and regional political tensions. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese publicly thanked a local barber who intervened during the violent episode. The suspect in the attack is reportedly the son of a friend.

    What is confirmed

    • Australian federal lawmaker Helen Haines had both legs amputated after being hit by a car.
    • The 65-year-old independent politician is receiving treatment in a Melbourne hospital in critical condition.
    • The attack occurred outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, northeastern Victoria.
    • Her husband stated that she was hit repeatedly in what he believes was an act of political violence.
    • Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese thanked a local barber for intervening during the incident.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The suspect in the attack is the son of a friend.

    What to watch next

    • Updates on the medical condition of Helen Haines from the Melbourne hospital
    • Further details from police regarding the investigation into the driver
    • Official charges or statements regarding the suspect in custody
    Sources used for this update (15)
    1. www.bbc.com — BBC Home - Breaking News, World News, US News, Sports, Business...
    2. www.latimes.com — U.S. stocks hover near their latest record in mixed trading on Wall Street
    3. The New York Times — Australian Politicians Were Already on Edge Before One of Their Own Was Attacked
    4. CBS News — Australian politician who was intentionally hit by car loses both her legs
    5. SMH.com.au — How the News Corp tabloids lifted Seven’s harrowing exclusive
    6. ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation — Wangaratta mother writes letter to injured MP Helen Haines
    7. The Guardian — ‘We can’t just pretend that everything’s OK in the regions’: what went wrong in Wangaratta?
    8. Newser — Attacked Lawmaker Has Now Lost Both Legs
    9. ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation — Australians to light candles for critically injured Helen Haines
    10. www.courant.com — Australian politician who was hit by car has lost both legs
    11. jamaica-gleaner.com — Lawmaker loses both legs after apparent political attack | World News | Jamaica Gleaner
    12. www.ctvnews.ca — Helen Haines’ legs amputated after politician hit by car
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