{
  "id": 15671388,
  "title": "‘I don’t want to be known as a hero’: barber who rushed to help Helen Haines praised by PM",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/i-dont-want-to-be-known-as-a-hero-barber-who-rushed-to-help-helen",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-19T23:39:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Guardian",
    "slug": "the-guardian",
    "url": "https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/oct/20/i-dont-want-to-be-known-as-a-hero-barber-who-rushed-to-help-helen-haines-praised-by-pm-ntwnfb"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Barber Ricky Jefferies, who rushed to help MP Helen Haines after she was allegedly run down in Wangaratta, has been praised by the Australian prime minister. However, Jefferies himself downplayed his heroic actions, saying he \"had no choice\" but to intervene. He was cutting hair at his shop next to Haines' electorate office when the car struck the MP around 4pm on Monday. Jefferies recounted how he grabbed the driver out of the car, holding him down while others aided Haines, who is in critical but stable condition. The driver reportedly did a U-turn before running Haines over twice, reversing each time. Police allege the driver had a knife, which Jefferies claims he took out of the man's pocket but did not use. Despite the media attention, Jefferies insisted he was just doing his duty and didn't want to be known as a hero. He emphasized that his family and community were his priorities. PM Albanese called Jefferies a \"hero\" for his intervention, which may have prevented further harm. Wangaratta Mayor Irene Grant also praised the barber, noting he handled the situation with great bravery and modesty.",
  "summary": "Ricky Jefferies says he had just finished cutting hair when he grabbed the driver who allegedly deliberately stuck the Indi MP and held him until police arrived Follow our Helen Haines live blog for latest updates Who is Helen Haines, the MP allegedly attacked in Victoria? Get our new political email , free app or daily news podcast The Australian prime minister has hailed him a hero for rushing…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 6,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News AU",
        "title": "Live: Helen Haines remains critical as police investigation continues after 'attack'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/live-helen-haines-remains-critical-as-police-investigation-continues",
        "published": "2026-10-19T18:31:29.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Crikey",
        "title": "Helen Haines critically injured after being hit by car",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/helen-haines-critically-injured-after-being-hit-by-car",
        "published": "2026-10-19T20:23:43.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Guardian",
        "title": "Helen Haines: independent MP in critical condition in Melbourne’s Alfred hospital after being struck by car in Wangaratta – follow updates",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/helen-haines-independent-mp-in-critical-condition-in-melbournes",
        "published": "2026-10-19T20:34:07.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Sydney Morning Herald",
        "title": "The split-second decision that put a dad in danger to save Helen Haines",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/the-split-second-decision-that-put-a-dad-in-danger-to-save-helen",
        "published": "2026-10-19T20:34:41.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Age",
        "title": "The split-second decision that put a dad in danger to save Helen Haines",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/the-split-second-decision-that-put-a-dad-in-danger-to-save-helen-15651394",
        "published": "2026-10-19T20:34:41.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}