Argentina’s Vice-President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner has narrowly avoided assassination after a gunman’s weapon jammed as he aimed at her.
Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner was greeting supporters outside her home when a man emerged from the crowd and pointed a handgun in her face.
President Alberto Fernandez said the gun was loaded with five bullets but failed to fire when triggered.
Ms Fernández de Kirchner is involved in a corruption trial and was returning from court. She denies the charges.
Police said the gunman, who local media identified as a 35-year-old Brazilian man, has been taken into custody. They are attempting to establish a motive for the attack.
Addressing the nation late on Thursday night, Mr Fernandez said: “Cristina remains alive because, for a reason not yet technically confirmed, the gun, which contained five bullets, did not fire.”
“We can disagree, we can have deep disagreements, but hate speech cannot take place because it breeds violence and there is no chance of violence coexisting with democracy,” Mr Fernandez said.
Footage shared on local media showed the man aiming a gun inches away from her head and appearing to attempt a shot. She then lowers her head but no shots were fired.
Sources; BBCsports