Police say a car hit an Australian federal independent lawmaker on Monday, critically injuring her in a potentially deliberate act. The driver was arrested. Helen Haines, 65, was struck by an SUV outside her office in Wangaratta, Victoria. Her family confirmed her identity. A 43-year-old driver was arrested at the scene. Police found a knife inside the vehicle and are investigating whether the act was intentional. Haines, elected to Parliament in 2019, was taken to a hospital with critical injuries. Authorities are concerned about the increasing threats of violence against public figures in Australia.