Curfew? Not Yet — Vice President Cristina Faces a Brandish‑but‑No‑Fire Incident
Picture a scene straight out of a thriller: a sharp‑looking man steps up to Argentina’s Vice‑President, points a gun at her head, pulls the trigger, and then—poof—nothing. No bang, no bullets, just a flash and an uneasy silence.
Why the Silence?
- Five rounds, none fired – The gun was supposedly loaded, but for reasons officials are still confirming, it turned out to be a dud.
- Vigilante drama – This incident underscores political tensions that are gripping not just Buenos Aires but the whole region, from Colombia to Brazil.
What the President Says
President Alberto Fernández took to TV to reassure the nation:
“Cristina is still alive because, for some reason yet to be confirmed, the gun… did not fire. This is the most serious event we have gone through since Argentina returned to democracy.”
So while the real danger was averted, the episode is a stark reminder that political life in Argentina can still feel like a high‑stakes game of Russian Roulette.
<img alt="" data-caption="Supporters gather in front of the house of Argentina's Vice-President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner after she was attacked by an unidentified assailant with a gun late on Thursday, according to local television footage, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Sept 1, 2022.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”ca79974d-1210-4404-b465-459ca9f11295″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/GHIAE3Z2CRLEXD4RVK4ZI3OPH4.jpeg”/>
Fernandez de Kirchner Stopped by a Short‑Range Weapon at Home
What started as a routine welcome for thousands of supporters outside the former Argentine president’s residence turned into a harrowing scene as a gunman pressed a pistol right to her skull. The assailant, a 35‑year‑old man of Brazilian origin, was nabbed by police on the spot and the weapon confiscated.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Location: Buenos Aires, outside Cristina Fernández de Kirchner’s house
- Event: Attempted assassination during a rally with hundreds (hundreds) of supporters
- Arrest: 35‑year‑old Brazilian man apprehended immediately by police
- Weapon: Pistol seized
- Potential Sentencing: Up to 12 years in prison and possible omission from public office for earlier contracts
- Political Context: Fernández de Kirchner may run for Senate or the presidency in next year’s elections
Reactions That Echo Beyond Borders
The assault rattled not only Argentina but also neighboring leaders who cheered each other’s solidarity.
- Chile: President Gabriel Boric released a heartfelt statement.
- Venezuela: Nicolás Maduro tweeted support.
- Peru: President Pedro Castillo expressed his relief she felt no lasting harm.
- Brazil: Presidential hopeful Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva praised “the extraordinary resilience” of the victim.
Economy Minister Sergio Massa called the incident a reminder that “when hate and violence trump debate, societies crumble.”
Why This Matters
Fernandez de Kirchner remains a polarizing figure—having served two presidential terms from 2007‑2015. Her legal troubles, involving alleged contracts in the early 2000s, could close doors if convicted. Yet she’s eyeing a Senate seat and, potentially, the presidency in future elections.
While the gun was eventually taken away, the episode underscores a growing worry: political life can be dangerously unpredictable. Let’s hope the next chapter is more peaceful—and that the public can keep the conversation civil.
