Helen Haines loses second leg after attack outside office

Federal MP for Indi Helen Haines has had both legs amputated following an incident on Monday where she was hit by a car outside her Wangaratta office. The Guardian Australia reports that while surgeons attempted to save one leg, both were eventually amputated due to her injuries. Haines, 65, remains in stable condition, and her husband, Phil Haines, stated that her heart and mind are in good shape.

Police allege the attack was targeted and have charged 43-year-old Brendan Nugent with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. According to The Guardian, the AFP and Victoria police stated they had no prior intelligence that Nugent would allegedly drive a Toyota LandCruiser into the independent MP. Nugent appeared in Wangaratta magistrates court on Wednesday.

Governor-General Sam Mostyn joined Phil Haines at the Alfred hospital to offer support, stating the attack must be a moment to pause and choose to be better, according to The Age. The Sydney Morning Herald noted that first responders who aided the MP shared that she spoke generously to them while they worked to save her.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Age, The Guardian Australia, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Guardian — 4 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.