Independent Australian lawmaker Helen Haines was critically injured after being deliberately struck by an SUV outside her electoral district office in Wangaratta, Victoria. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the apparent targeted attack, stating that a 43-year-old male driver was detained by a passerby and arrested at the scene. Police recovered a knife from inside the vehicle, and authorities have activated a joint counterterrorism taskforce to determine the motive behind the incident. Haines, 65, was airlifted to a Melbourne hospital in critical condition, drawing widespread bipartisan condemnation and shock across the Australian parliament. The violent episode underscores growing official concerns regarding security risks and rising threats directed at public figures and lawmakers in Australia.

Full report : Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirms a suspect has been arrested following the incident in Wangaratta as a joint counterterrorism team investigates.