Barber says he had 'no choice' but to tackle driver who struck Australian MP Helen Haines
An Australian barber intervened and tackled a driver after a car struck lawmaker Helen Haines, leaving her critically injured. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated the attack was a deliberate act, noting that the assailant's vehicle executed a U-turn before hitting the lawmaker. Police arrested a man following the incident. Lawmakers and community members expressed shock as the investigation into the collision continues, with authorities treating the vehicle strike as a targeted assault rather than an accident.
Listen to Live Briefing
Real-time synthesized voice briefing · Live Feeds Desk
- ✓ Lawmaker Helen Haines was critically injured after being hit by a car.
- ✓ Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the incident a deliberate act and not an accident.
- ✓ The attacker's car made a U-turn before striking the lawmaker.
- ✓ A man was arrested following the incident.
What changed
A barber intervened to tackle the driver, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the vehicle made a U-turn before the collision.
Live updates
-
Australian MP Helen Haines Critically Injured After Being Hit By Car
An Australian barber intervened and tackled a driver after a car struck lawmaker Helen Haines, leaving her critically injured. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated the attack was a deliberate act, noting that the assailant's vehicle executed a U-turn before hitting the lawmaker. Police arrested a man following the incident. Lawmakers and community members expressed shock as the investigation into the collision continues, with authorities treating the vehicle strike as a targeted assault rather than an accident.
Why it matters
Lawmaker safety has drawn intense scrutiny following targeted political violence and harassment in Australia. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other officials characterized the collision as a deliberate act, elevating concerns over the security of public figures. The intervention by civilians highlights the immediate danger faced by politicians and bystanders alike during the assault.
What is confirmed
- Lawmaker Helen Haines was critically injured after being hit by a car.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the incident a deliberate act and not an accident.
- The attacker's car made a U-turn before striking the lawmaker.
- A man was arrested following the incident.
Still unconfirmed
- The barber had no choice but to tackle the driver who struck the MP.
What to watch next
- Official police charges against the arrested man
- Updates on lawmaker Helen Haines' medical condition
- Further statements from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on security measures
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- BBC — Man arrested after Australian MP hit by car as PM calls it a 'deliberate act'
- NPR — Australian prime minister says lawmaker critically injured by car is 'no accident'
- Reuters — Australia's Albanese says attacker's car made U-turn before critically injuring lawmaker
- U.S. News & World Report — Australian Barber Hailed as Hero for Running to Lawmaker's Rescue During Attack
- The Guardian — I knew one of us could get hurt eventually. I never thought it would be my friend Helen | Zoe Daniel
- 7news.com.au — Axe-wielding man tackled by tradies after alleged carjacking attempt in Melbourne’s north
Community Sentiment: How do you assess this situation?
Voice your perspective · Real-time aggregated sentiment from the Live Feeds community