MELBOURNE, Australia: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has praised members of the public who helped restrain a driver accused of deliberately hitting an opposition lawmaker with a vehicle, as the politician remained in a critical but stable condition on October 20.

Helen Haines, a 65-year-old independent member of Parliament, was struck twice by a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV on October 19 outside her electorate office in Wangaratta, in the state of Victoria. The accused driver, Brendan Nugent, 43, from nearby Tarrawingee, remained in police custody on October 20.

The incident shocked Australia, where political violence is uncommon, and politicians generally have easy access to the public. Most lawmakers do not have security officers accompanying them during their professional or personal activities.

Nugent's father, Rod Nugent, released a statement on October 20 describing Haines as a respected and much-loved member of the local community. He said the family had known her as a friend for more than 20 years and was devastated by what had happened.

Albanese said he had spoken by phone to local barber Ricky Jefferies to thank him for helping members of the public restrain the suspect.

"It's a reminder that at the worst of times, we see the best of the Australian character," Albanese said in Melbourne.

Jefferies had run from his barber shop to help after the incident. He told reporters that he searched the driver's pockets and removed a knife. Police confirmed that a knife had been found.

Jefferies said he did not consider himself a hero and noted that several people rushed to help immediately, without stopping to consider the danger.

Haines's family also thanked bystanders, medical workers and police for their quick response.

Haines was first elected to Parliament in 2019 and has since won re-election twice. She was initially taken to a hospital in Wangaratta, a city with a population of about 30,000.

She was later airlifted to a hospital in Melbourne, the state capital, about 236 kilometers away.

The nation was further shocked when, shortly after her admission to the Alfred Hospital , it was announced Haines had to undergo an operation to have her leg amputated. More shock was to come on Wednesday when it was revealed that the parliamentarian had her second leg amputated as well.

Growing Concern Over Political Threats

The attack has renewed concerns about political violence in Australia, where authorities have reported an increase in threats against elected representatives.

Mike Burgess, head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organization, reiterated Wednesday that politically motivated violence remained a major national security concern, alongside espionage and foreign interference.

Police reported in 2025 that threats against parliamentarians had doubled over the previous three years.

Official figures showed that authorities recorded more than 1,000 threats against politicians during the 2025-2026 financial year.

The incident highlighted the risks public representatives face in a country where many politicians continue to work without dedicated security protection.