Political divisions cause violence

Argentinians took to the streets of Buenos Aires yesterday over the apparently failed assassination attempt on Vice President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, which shocked the South American country.

The attacker pointed a loaded gun at Fernandez de Kirchner outside her apartment in downtown Buenos Aires at close range, but it did not fire. The authorities have not yet determined the motive for the attack.

Political leaders across the region, US officials and Argentina's Pope Francis condemned the attack, which came amid acute political tensions as the country sinks deeper into an economic crisis fueled by debt and inflation.

Horacio Rodríguez Lareta, the opposition mayor of Buenos Aires, described it as "a turning point in (our) democratic history".

"It is reprehensible, shameful, but at the same time, I would say, miraculous, because she is fine," said Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Fernandez de Kirchner, a divisive figure, is facing possible corruption charges related to an alleged scheme to divert public funds while she was president between 2007 and 2015. In recent weeks, a prosecutor called for her to be sentenced to 12 years in prison.

She denies doing anything illegal, and her supporters are gathering on the streets and in front of her residence.

President Alberto Fernandez's cabinet called for an end to the "rhetoric of hate," and the president said it was the worst attack since the country returned to democracy decades ago.

Mayor Rodríguez Lareta added: "Today, more than ever, all Argentines must work together for peace."

Television footage showed a gun being shoved into Fernandez de Kirchner's face, before she crouched down and covered her face with her hands, and a man was led away by supporters outside her home.

Oskar Parili, a senator of the ruling coalition close to the vice president, said that she was in shock, but that she did not lose heart.

President Alberto Fernandez said it was the worst attack since the country returned to democracy decades ago

Police arrested the suspect, who they identified as Fernando Andres Sabago Montiel, a 35-year-old Brazilian man. President Fernandez said the gun was loaded.

Oskar Delupi (64), a railway worker in the capital, blamed political divisions for causing the violence.

"It's madness, society has already lost a little bit of its nerve, but the message of hate ... is becoming more and more intense with those weak people who decide to do such a crazy thing as an attack," he said.

The vice president was surrounded by security, but she interacted closely with the crowd of supporters who gathered near her house every day. The attacker managed to break through the crowd and get within a meter of Fernandez de Kirchner, video footage of the incident shows.

Miguel Ángel Piketo, a prominent lawmaker, called for an investigation into how the attacker was able to approach her.