BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AFP) — A man attempted to shoot Argentine Vice President Cristina Kirchner near her home in Buenos Aires on Thursday, the country's president said.

Several television channels broadcast footage showing the man pointing a small handgun at the vice president at close range as she was getting out of a car and she ducked as the weapon was aimed.

But the gun failed to fire, even though it was loaded, Argentine President Alberto Fernandez said.

"Cristina remains alive because, for a reason not yet technically confirmed, the gun, which contained five bullets, did not fire," Fernandez said in an address to the nation.

In a video of the incident, a clicking sound can be heard as the gun is aimed toward Kirchner.

Security minister Anibal Fernandez said the man was arrested and that police would open an investigation.