Helen Hens, an Australian female Member of Parliament, was violently struck by a car outside her office in Wangaratta, in northern Victoria, resulting in serious injuries. Police have arrested a 43-year-old male suspect. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated the incident appears to be deliberate.
Helen Hens is in critical condition after being hit by a vehicle outside her office on Murphy Street in Wangaratta, Victoria, about a three-hour drive northeast of Melbourne.
Victoria Police reported that the incident occurred around 15:35 local time on 19 Oct. The suspect, a 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee, drove a white Toyota Land Cruiser into Hens before bystanders subdued him until police arrived and arrested him.
Hens sustained serious injuries and was transported by ambulance to Northeast Health hospital in Wangaratta, with plans likely to airlift her to Melbourne for further treatment.
Police found a knife inside the vehicle used in the incident and seized it as evidence. Serious crash investigators traveled from Melbourne to the scene to collect evidence, and the examination is expected to take some time.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a press conference that it is too early to determine the suspect's motive but confirmed the suspect is in police custody and a major investigation is underway.
Albanese stated that the counter-terrorism task force has joined the investigation. Officials will review the suspect's history, analyze forensic evidence, and seek the reasons behind the incident.
The Prime Minister noted that initially he thought Hens had been involved in a car accident, but upon confirmation it was not accidental, he immediately contacted Crissie Barrett, Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, and Ben Carroll, Victoria's Premier.
Albanese confirmed the event appears intentional but declined to speculate on motives. He said he does not personally know if Hens had received threats before and could not disclose whether the suspect was previously known to police.
Tony Burke, Australia's Minister for Home Affairs, said the investigation is in its early stages and confirmed the suspect is in police custody. Burke also revealed that reports of threatening and harassing behavior toward senior officials, including parliament members, have increased over the past year from 951 to 1,067 cases.
Ashley Mason, Acting Victoria Police Chief Superintendent, stated that there is currently no information on the suspect’s motive or prior acquaintance with Hens. Police have no intelligence suggesting a broader threat to others or the public and are treating the incident as an isolated case.
The suspect is being held at Wangaratta Police Station awaiting questioning, while police continue to check his background and any connections relevant to the incident.
Mason thanked nearby citizens who helped restrain the suspect after the vehicle struck Hens and those who assisted her while injured. He described the event as traumatic for witnesses and praised those who helped manage the situation before police arrived.
Albanese said he has consistently called on all sides to reduce the intensity of political rhetoric and expressed concern over the violent language people use on social media, often harsher than what they would say face-to-face.
He noted a clear rise in political tension not only in Australia but globally, with similar incidents occurring worldwide. When asked if the government has done enough to protect parliament members, the Prime Minister said significant resources have been allocated to relevant agencies over recent years.
However, he emphasized that Australia should remain a society where politicians can meet and talk with citizens normally, whether in supermarkets, on the street, or at public forums, as such interactions are vital to democracy.
The Prime Minister described Hens as a hardworking, capable politician respected by all parliament members. She honors others and is well-regarded in her community. Albanese expressed concern for Hens, her family, colleagues, and community, calling the incident deeply shocking and hoping for her full recovery.
He reiterated that political violence has no place in democracy and urged the public to await the investigation's results without speculating on the suspect’s motives before facts are established.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has been briefed on the incident. The Prime Minister said he offered full cooperation and support to the opposition and Hens's office, prioritizing her care.
Police are still gathering evidence and questioning the suspect, with no clear motive or detailed information about any relationship between the suspect and Hens disclosed yet. The investigation continues, and authorities confirm no current signs of further public threats.