Argentina’s football matches have been cancelled in the aftermath of an assassination attempt on the country’s vice president.
The incident occurred yesterday evening outside her home. Cristina Fernandez was greeting supporters when the near fatal incident happened. The gunman pointed the gun at her head and pulled the trigger, but the gun jammed.
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When the terrified politician realised what had just happened, she quickly ducked and held her head as her security officers overpowered the man seconds after he pulled the trigger.
The alleged would-be assassin has been identified as Fernando Montiel, a 35-year-old Brazilian who was apprehended at the scene.
Following the incident, the Argentine Football Association has announced that all games will be suspended after President Fernandez declared a holiday.
President Fernandez in his address said ( as quoted by RMC ):
“Social peace has been altered, for this reason, I have made arrangements to declare tomorrow a national holiday so that, in peace and harmony, the Argentine people can to speak out in defence of life, democracy and in solidarity with our vice-president.”
“The people of Argentina want to live in democracy and peace and our government is firmly committed to working every day so that we can achieve this. Cristina remains alive because, for some reason, the weapon that had five bullets did not fire despite having been triggered.”
“Such a reality affects the Argentine people and in particular those of us who are her colleagues, who embrace her in solidarity with all our love. This attack deserves the strongest repudiation from all political sectors, from all the men and women who make up the republic. This incident affects our democracy.”