An Australian female parliamentarian lost both legs after being deliberately hit by a car

Independent Australian MP Helen Haines, 65, is in a critical but stable condition after being intentionally hit by a car outside her office in Wangaratta on Monday afternoon. Her family announced that the lawmaker suffered extremely serious injuries, and doctors were forced to amputate both her legs.

The MP’s husband, Phil Haines, said on Wednesday that Helen is alive and stable, stressing that this is the most important news for the family. He warned, however, that a long road to recovery lies ahead.

Authorities believe the incident was targeted. Brendan Nugent, 43, was arrested and charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and injuring a Commonwealth public official. The man appeared before the Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday and is due to return to court in February.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and lawmakers from across the political spectrum expressed their shock and outrage. Mike Burgess, head of Australia’s intelligence services, warned that discontent, intolerance and polarisation create conditions conducive to acts of violence. The motive for the attack has not been disclosed.