Australian MP was taken to hospital after being hit by a car

Australia’s independent member of parliament Helen Hayns was taken to hospital with serious injuries after being hit by a car in the city of Wangeratta. According to the Victoria state police, the 43-year-old driver of a “Toyota Landcruiser” that struck the MP was detained at the scene and handed over to police. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the incident a “deliberately carried out act” and said that anti-terror police were also involved in the investigation.

Postxronika.az, citing the BBC, reports that a knife was also found on the suspect’s car and taken away by people who had been passing through the area and detained him. Law enforcement agencies are continuing investigative measures at a fast pace to determine whether the detained person and the parliamentarian knew each other. The health of the House of Representatives member and the reasons behind the incident are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.

Incidents of violence against politicians are met with serious concern and protest in Australian society and within political circles. Law enforcement structures are strengthening the monitoring regime to ensure the safety of public officials. The motives behind the suspect’s criminal act will be fully clarified in the course of investigations conducted in accordance with the law.