A divisive figure, Fernandez de Kirchner is facing potential corruption charges linked to an alleged scheme to divert public funds while president between 2007 and 2015. A prosecutor in recent weeks called for a 12-year prison sentence against her.

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She denies wrongdoing and her supporters have rallied in the streets and gathered daily outside her residence.

The president’s office later called for the end of a “rhetoric of hate”, while Rodriguez Larreta added: “Today, more than ever, all Argentines have to work together for peace.”

The attack was streamed into households across the country via live TV images that showed the gun being pushed towards Fernandez de Kirchner’s face, before she crouched down and covered her face with her hands and supporters outside her house bundled a man away.

Oscar Parrilli, a senator with the ruling coalition close to the vice president, told local radio she was in shock but getting by: “Luckily, she has her spirit, her temper intact.”

“Luckily the bullet didn’t come out because the consequences could have been much worse,” said Florencia Suera, a 22-year-old worker in Buenos Aires.

Oscar Delupi, 64, a railway worker in the capital, blamed political divisions for triggering the violence.

“It’s crazy, society has already lost its temper a little, the message of hate ... is becoming more and more fierce in those weak-minded people who opt for a crazy thing like an attack,” he said.

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