An Argentine court has sentenced Fernando Sabag Montiel and his former girlfriend, Brenda Uliarte, for their roles in the 2022 attempted assassination of former president and vice president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. Montiel received a 10-year prison term for attempted aggravated homicide, which, combined with a previous conviction for child exploitation offenses, brings his total sentence to 14 years. Uliarte was sentenced to eight years for acting as an accomplice. The verdict concludes a high-profile trial that gripped Argentina for months, reviving memories of past political violence and exposing the country’s deep ideological divides. The failed shooting, captured on video, remains one of the most chilling moments in modern Argentine politics.
The Day of the Attempt
On September 1, 2022, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner was greeting supporters outside her home in the Recoleta neighborhood of Buenos Aires when Sabag Montiel aimed a loaded Bersa pistol at her head. He tried to pull the trigger twice, but the gun misfired. The attack occurred in front of dozens of onlookers and was recorded by television crews and cell phones. Supporters quickly tackled and restrained Montiel until police arrived. His girlfriend, Brenda Uliarte, was seen leaving the scene shortly afterward. The assassination attempt came as Kirchner faced corruption charges in court, with crowds gathering daily to show support. The shocking footage spread worldwide, prompting condemnation and calls for unity across Argentina’s political spectrum.
Planning and Motive Behind the Plot
Prosecutors revealed that the attack had been premeditated. Messages recovered from the couple’s phones showed that Montiel and Uliarte discussed killing the former president weeks in advance. Montiel later admitted in court that he had intended to kill her, claiming he viewed the act as “justice.” The pair were street vendors, and their small group was later dubbed the “cotton bud gang” for the items they sold. Investigators determined that Montiel harbored resentment toward Kirchner, blaming her for corruption and economic hardship. Despite confessing, he also made contradictory claims during the trial, alleging the case was fabricated and part of a political conspiracy — accusations the court found unsubstantiated.
The Trial and Sentencing
The trial started in June 2024 at Buenos Aires’ Comodoro Py federal courthouse, presided over by Judges Sabrina Namer, Adrián Grunberg, and Ignacio Fornari. Over 150 witnesses testified. Prosecutors sought a 19-year sentence for Montiel and more than 14 years for Uliarte. Ultimately, Montiel was found guilty of attempted aggravated homicide and sentenced to 10 years, while Uliarte received eight years for her role as a “necessary participant.” A third defendant, Nicolás Gabriel Carrizo, was acquitted after prosecutors dropped charges. Montiel’s prior conviction for possession and distribution of child abuse material extended his total prison term to 14 years. Both defendants showed little remorse, with Uliarte declining to speak at sentencing.
National Shock and Political Reactions
The attempted assassination of Fernández de Kirchner sent shockwaves through Argentina, a country with a history of political unrest. Analysts said the attack evoked memories of the violent decades under military dictatorship. Thousands of citizens rallied in Buenos Aires and other cities in support of the former leader. The event deepened existing political divisions, with Kirchner’s allies framing it as part of a broader campaign of hatred against her. She has since been convicted in a separate corruption case and is under house arrest, continuing to insist that her opponents “want me imprisoned or dead.” The attack, however, remains widely condemned across party lines as an assault on Argentina’s democracy.
Lingering Questions and Lasting Impact
Although the trial’s verdict brought closure for many, questions persist about whether others may have orchestrated or financed the attack. Kirchner’s legal team argued that evidence was mishandled early in the investigation, including the erasure of data from Montiel’s phone. No additional suspects have been charged. The case remains emblematic of Argentina’s volatile political climate and the dangers posed by extremism. For many, the sentencing of Montiel and Uliarte is a reminder of how quickly political polarization can turn violent. As Argentina looks ahead, the failed assassination stands as a warning against the erosion of civility and the enduring need to protect democratic institutions.
Sources: Buenos Aires Times, EL PAIS English, Reuters
