Australian lawmaker Helen Haines underwent the amputation of both legs following a targeted vehicular attack near her office in Wangaratta, Victoria, her husband confirmed on Wednesday. Haines remains in stable condition at a Melbourne hospital several days after the incident, which occurred on Monday approximately 200 kilometers northeast of Melbourne.

The attack has raised concerns about the safety of public officials in Australia, a country where political violence is uncommon but where authorities have noted increasing threats and abuse directed toward elected representatives in recent years. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese publicly expressed his support for Haines and called for a reduction in political polarization, urging Australians to engage in respectful discourse despite disagreements.

Phil Haines, speaking from the hospital, described the lawmaker as resilient and compassionate. He emphasized that while the loss of her legs marks a significant challenge, her family values her heart and mind above all. “Helen’s road to recovery will be long and difficult, but we know she is a fighter,” he said.

The alleged attacker, 43-year-old Brendan Nugent, appeared in court in Wangaratta on Wednesday. Nugent faces charges including dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and the federal offense of harming a public official—a charge that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment. He is also charged with cultivating a cannabis plant and possession of the drug.

Nugent did not speak during the court appearance and did not seek bail. His next court date is set for February 4. The investigation into the circumstances of the attack remains ongoing.