The Australian Federal Police (AFP), along with ASIO and a joint counter-terrorism taskforce, are investigating the circumstances surrounding the event. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and fellow politicians have publicly condemned the alleged attack, while independent senator Jacqui Lambie joined colleagues in offering tributes and wishing Haines a speedy recovery.
Authorities have taken a 43-year-old man from Tarrawingee into custody. Victoria Police stated there is currently no indication that the parties were known to each other and reassured the public that investigators are treating the event as an isolated incident with no ongoing community threat.