Albanese says "no place for political violence" after attack on MP Helen Haines

Independent Australian MP Helen Haines, 65, is in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle while loading her car in Wangaratta, Victoria, on Monday afternoon, according to authorities. The 43-year-old driver was detained by a bystander and taken into custody, and police said a knife was recovered from his vehicle. Investigators have not established a motive or whether the two knew each other, while a national counterterrorism investigation involving federal police and ASIO is underway alongside state authorities, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. Albanese condemned the assault and said violent acts should have no role in the country's political system, while noting he was unaware of prior personal threats against Haines. Lawmakers across parties criticized the attack, and officials noted reports of threats against public officeholders have risen.