A man tried to assassinate Argentina’s Vice President Cristina Fernández, outside her house, but his gun misfired, as per the nation’s president, Alberto Fernández – who’s not related to the 69-year-old. 

Security quickly overpowered the individual in the incident that took place on Thursday. 

The VP was interacting with the public when a gun is held to her face and the trigger is pulled, but no shots are fired. The hand holding the gun quickly goes out of the frame and those in the video realize and react to what’s happened. 

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President Fernandez called the “the most serious incident since we recovered democracy”, and the attack comes as the Vice President is facing a trial for acts of corruption during her presidency between 2007 and 2015. 

Fernando André Sabag Montiel has been identified as the assailant, as per a Security Ministry official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. He’s a Brazilian national and used .32-caliber Bersa. 

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The president declared a holiday on Friday, following the attack, so “the Argentine people can, in peace and harmony, express itself in defence of life, democracy and in solidarity with our vice president.” 

The VP has seen an outpouring of support around her house in the upscale Recoleta neighbourhood in Argentina’s capital. 

Tensions have been running high since the weekend when supporters clashed with the police around the VP’s house, and following the escalation, police presence around Fernandez’s residence was reduced. 

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The Argentine VP follows the same routine each day, where she signs autographs and meets people after leaving her residence. 

While some were quick to point the finger at the opposition, saying their speech promoted violence, lawmakers and politicians in general condemned the attack. 

“When hate and violence are imposed over the debate of ideas, societies are destroyed and generate situations like the one seen today: an assassination attempt”, Economy Minister Sergio Massa added.