Locals who rushed in to help critically injured Helen Haines when she was struck by a four-wheel drive have hailed the MP's incredible bravery in the moments after the alleged targeted attack.
The independent federal MP remains in a critical but stable condition at The Alfred hospital in Melbourne after being run down outside her electorate office in the regional Victorian town of Wangaratta on Monday afternoon.
Brendan Nugent, from nearby Tarrawingee, has been charged with three offences related to what police have described as a targeted attack.
Jacob Evans and Jacklyn Black, who were visiting the area from southwest of Melbourne, rushed to assist Dr Haines in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
"Jacob had a tourniquet as well … which we quickly applied to her leg to help get some of her injuries under control," Ms Black told reporters outside Wangaratta courthouse on Wednesday.
The couple said they didn't know Dr Haines "from a bar of soap" before the incident, but they were awed by the former nurse and midwife's warmth as she conversed with them until further help arrived.
"She was thanking us and calling us beautiful people," Ms Black said.
"Considering the traumatic event that had just occurred, the fact that she was taking the time to say that just shows her character.
"She did a fantastic job. It was quite incredible."
Dr Haines underwent emergency surgery on Monday night but one of her legs could not be saved.
Nugent briefly faced court but did not apply for bail.
He was remanded in custody to appear again in February.
Reporters were packed into the limited seating in the small courtroom, while others were denied entry.
The 43-year-old sat quietly in the dock as his lawyer mentioned he was suffering from potential mental health issues and concussion, although he had not been formally diagnosed with any psychological conditions.
Nugent's primary school art teacher, who also campaigned with Dr Haines, said she felt sick for all involved.
The accused attacker was a good kid, said Jacquie, who preferred not to give her second name.
"He was a bit withdrawn sometimes, but yeah, he was a beautiful kid, like most of the kids were," she said.
Jacquie, who said she reached out to the accused a few years ago on welfare grounds, called for better support in the area.
"I just wanted to make contact as a human towards another human who's possibly been very marginalised for a long time because of his mental health issues," she said.
Locals have been going about their days in the bustling regional city since the incident put it at the centre of national media attention.
But many community members and business owners have asked for privacy and respect as they process Monday's events.
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