Australia police warn of growing extremism online after politician attacked

Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Krissy Barrett has warned of a rising level of extremist views, particularly online, which is fueling political polarization. The current threat environment, especially for federal parliamentarians, is described as "febrile" by Barrett, who highlights the increasing volume of online abuse, threatening rhetoric, and intimidation.

This comes after an attack on lawmaker Helen Haines, who remains in critical condition in a Melbourne hospital. Haines, a 65-year-old independent lawmaker known for advocating transparency and fighting corruption, was struck on Monday near her office in Wangaratta, a town approximately 200 kilometers northeast of Victoria's capital.

The 43-year-old male driver of the vehicle involved in the attack was known to police and has been charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and harming a public official, with the last charge carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Police allege the incident was targeted, and the suspect will appear in court in Wangaratta on Wednesday.