Helen Hens, a 65-year-old Australian member of parliament, lost one leg after a perpetrator deliberately struck her with a vehicle and then reversed to run her over again outside her office, causing severe injuries. Multiple police units, including counterterrorism forces, are investigating the motive. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said this incident reflects concerning political tensions in the country.
Helen Hens, an independent Australian MP, suffered serious injuries in a deliberate vehicle attack in Wangaratta, Victoria, northeast of Melbourne, around 15:35 local time on 19 October while unloading items from her car outside her electorate office.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that preliminary information indicates the incident was not an accident. The driver of a Toyota Land Cruiser first hit Hens, then reversed to strike her again. The Minister for Home Affairs said witnesses saw the driver reverse to deliberately run her over again before others intervened.
Hens, 65, underwent surgery overnight at Alfred Hospital in Melbourne. Local media, including ABC and the Sydney Morning Herald, reported that doctors had to amputate one leg and are trying to save the other. The Prime Minister said she remains in critical condition, with people nationwide sending support to her family.
Several bystanders helped during the incident. Ricky Jeffries, a 43-year-old barber nearby, ran out of his shop to restrain the driver and removed a knife from the man. Media reports praised Jeffries as a hero, though he acknowledged others at the scene also played important roles in helping.
Police arrested a 43-year-old suspect and found a knife inside the vehicle. Australian media identified him as Brendan Nugent, who has a prior police record. He is currently in custody while federal police, Victoria Police, and counterterrorism units investigate the motive, including possible charges of assaulting a public official, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Authorities have not yet disclosed the suspect’s motive but said it may have been a personal attack.
Prime Minister Albanese urged the public to reduce conflict and express differing views respectfully. He emphasized that in a democracy, disagreement is a right, but attacking others’ motives, patriotism, or identity is unacceptable. He expressed concern about increasing threats and harassment against politicians in recent years.
Hens was first elected to the Australian Parliament in 2019 after careers in nursing, midwifery, and academia. She was re-elected in 2022 and 2025. She is known for advocating climate action and promoting political transparency.
The incident drew condemnation across the political spectrum. Opposition leader Angus Taylor called it a shocking day for the country. Pauline Hanson, a senator from a right-wing party, said that violence against elected representatives, regardless of who they are or their views, is unacceptable in Australia.