The attack occurred around 15h35 on 19/10 when Haines, 65 years old, was retrieving items from the boot of her oto outside her office in Wangaratta, a town about 200 km northeast of Melbourne.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the driver initially passed by, then turned around to intentionally ram the politician. Witnesses at the scene reported hearing a loud crash and saw Haines trapped between two vehicles.

Haines speaking to the media at Parliament House in Canberra on 8/9. Photo: AP

Haines was rushed to Alfred Hospital in Melbourne in critical condition and underwent emergency surgery that night. She required a leg amputation.

The suspect, Brendan Nugent, a 43-year-old male environmental activist from Wangaratta, was apprehended by local barber Ricky Jefferies and bystanders immediately after the collision, before police arrived.

Jefferies ran out of his barbershop, restrained the attacker, and disarmed him of a knife.

"I heard a big bang with no screeching of brakes. It was crazy, so I ran out front to see what was happening", Jefferies recounted.

Barber Jefferies recounts the moment he subdued the attacker. Photo: AFP

Federal police, counter-terrorism forces, and Victoria state police are collaboratively investigating the incident. The suspect is currently in custody awaiting trial on charges including intentionally causing harm to a government official, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

The suspect's motive remains unclear. His father, Rod Nugent, and wife, Christine Cunningham, stated they had been friends with Haines for "more than 20 years" and "could not understand" the motive behind this horrific attack.

Prime Minister Albanese condemned the incident as an "intentional act" and a "test of our resilience". The Australian leader expressed distress over the escalation of political debate in Australia, which has become overly aggressive and personally confrontational in recent years. He also noted a significant increase in threats against elected officials recently.

Police at the scene of the attack on politician Haines. Photo: Reuters

Haines joined the Australian parliament in 2019, known for advocating political transparency, anti-corruption measures, and climate change action. The attack has shocked Australia's political landscape, drawing strong condemnation from both the opposition and far-right politicians.

Hong Hanh (According to AFP, Reuters, BBC)