Australian lawmaker loses both legs in vehicle attack as suspect appears in court

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Suspect Appears in Court After Car Attack on Australian Lawmaker

   Australian independent lawmaker Helen Haines had both legs amputated after being struck by a car in an apparent deliberate attack outside her electoral office in Wangaratta. Brendan Nugent, a 43-year-old man, appeared in court facing multiple charges as police investigate the motive behind the incident. Haines' husband stated she is in stable condition, though separate reports indicate she remains critical three days after the vehicle assault. The town of Wangaratta has turned orange in support of the wounded member of parliament.

   Why it matters

   The targeted attack has left Australian politicians on edge amid heightened safety concerns for elected officials, particularly female members of parliament. Local community members have rallied in support of Haines, while investigators probe the suspect's background, including a neurological condition known as idiopathic transverse myelitis. The incident has intensified discussions regarding security and kindness among politicians.

   What is confirmed

   • Independent lawmaker Helen Haines had both legs amputated after being rammed by a car outside her electoral office in Wangaratta.
   • Brendan Nugent, 43, is the suspect accused in the attack and has appeared in court.
   • Police are investigating the motive behind the vehicle attack.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Reports conflict on whether Haines is in stable condition or remains in critical condition three days after the attack.
   • The suspect suffers from a neurological condition called idiopathic transverse myelitis.

   What to watch next

   • Further court appearances for the accused suspect
   • Police updates on the official motive for the vehicle ramming
   • Medical updates regarding the lawmaker's recovery condition
   Sources used for this update (19)

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   2. The Guardian — Brendan Nugent stares in silence as a court for the first time hears about his alleged attack on Helen Haines
   3. NBC News — Suspect in vehicle attack on Australian lawmaker appears in court as police investigate motive
   4. The New York Times — Australian Politicians Were Already on Edge Before One of Their Own Was Attacked
   5. CBS News — Australian politician who was intentionally hit by car loses both her legs
   6. The Guardian — Soft-spoken David Pocock has big ambitions – but first he wants politicians to ‘double down’ on kindness
   7. The Conversation — What is idiopathic transverse myelitis, the neurological condition Helen Haines’ alleged attacker has?
   8. BBC — 'Targeted' attack on much-loved MP leaves Australian town heartbroken
   9. The Age — ‘We’re just showing our support for Helen’: Wangaratta turns orange for Haines
   10. ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation — Helen Haines remains critical, three days after car attack
   11. ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation — VIDEO: Are female MPs at a heightened safety risk?
   12. BBC — What happened inside court for man charged with Australian MP attack
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