Argentine President Javier Milei was safely evacuated during a campaign rally in Lomas de Zamora, Buenos Aires, on Wednesday after he was targeted by violent leftist protesters who threw rocks and other objects at him.
Security Minister Patricia Bullrich characterized the incident as an “organized attack” by individuals associated with the socialist Kirchnerist movement.
Milei was traveling in a pickup truck through Lomas de Zamora, accompanied by his sister Carina, lawmaker Jose Luis Espert, and members of the Freedom of Control party. This event was part of preparations for the upcoming legislative elections scheduled for September 7 and the national mid-term elections on October 26. Lomas de Zamora, located in the Buenos Aires province, is currently governed by the left-wing Mayor Federico Othemín.
During the rally, a group of left-wing protesters confronted Milei’s caravan, throwing stones, bottles, and other objects. Local news footage captured moments when some in the crowd attempted to climb onto the vehicle. Fortunately, Milei was evacuated without any reported injuries.
On social media, Milei expressed his frustration about the incident, lamenting the resort to violence by his opponents: “After passing through Lomas de Zamora, the Kirchnerists once again resorted to violence. On September 7 and October 26, Kirchnerism will not return,” he stated, also including his catchphrase, “Long Live Liberty, Damn It!”
A few hours later, Minister of Security Patricia Bullrich mentioned in a local newspaper that law enforcement is working to identify those responsible for the attack on Milei and is considering filing criminal charges against them.
Bullrich reiterated her view of the incident as a coordinated assault by leftist groups on social media and accused local officials linked to Mayor Othemín of having connections with violent soccer hooligans known for previous criminal activities. She also noted that members of the left-wing Hejosu group have been detained in connection to the events.
“The local security secretary was inciting unrest,” Bullrich commented, pointing out that local councillor Claudio Morell was present and had claimed he just wanted to see what was happening.
“We have several people detained, including members of the Temperry Football Fan Club, who are already prohibited from entering any stadium due to their violent behavior,” she added.
Bullrich commended the local police for their swift response that created a barrier between the rioters and Milei during the chaos.
“I commend you for safeguarding the institutions of our country, including the presidency,” she said.
Jose Luis Espert, who was alongside Milei during the rally, had previously experienced leftist violence himself in June, when a group of assailants vandalized his residence.
“Argentina cannot normalize aggression and the refusal to engage in debate. We will have an opportunity to vote on September 7 and October 26,” he said.
Sources from the Liberty Advances Party indicated to a local news channel that the campaign activities would proceed as planned and Milei would continue to participate in upcoming rallies despite the attack.
“They can’t stop us. When debate ends, they resort to violence, and that’s exactly what Kirchnerism has demonstrated. In just a year and a half, we have reduced poverty from 52% to 31%.”
“On one side, we have those who throw stones and have left 52% of the population in poverty with 54% inflation. On the other side is someone willing to reduce public spending, eliminate the fiscal deficit, lift 12 million Argentinians out of poverty, and eradicate inflation. The vote on September 7 will make it clear,” he stressed.
