Buenos Aires security minister attacked at protest over bus driver’s murder

By Bala Chambers

BUENOS AIRES (AA) - Buenos Aires Province Security Minister Sergio Berni was viscously attacked at a protest Monday in Argentina’s capital.

Transport workers launched a 24-hour strike in response to the murder of a bus driver earlier in the day and a group of bus drivers had gathered at the intersection of Juan Manuel de Rosas Avenue and Avenida General Paz to protest his killing.

Footage broadcast by the C5N television channel appeared to show Berni walking up to the crowd with a number of police officers, with the report suggesting he was attempting to speak to the protestors to brief them on an investigation into the killing and to convince them to call off the strike.

But the angry protestors shouted and hurled rocks at Berni and he was grabbed, pushed and struck.

The television images show Berni's face bloodied as he was then shielded by police and led away by a number of officers, some wearing riot gear.

Berni was then taken to a hospital, where he confirmed to the press that he had a fractured skull and cheek and a concussion.

He is awaiting further tests to determine the next steps and whether surgery is required.

Berni also confirmed to the press that he will not resign from his post following the incident.

Police later broke up the protest, which left eight police officers and three bus drivers injured.

Monday's protest took place after Daniel Barrientos, a 65-year-old bus driver who was a month away from retiring, was shot early Monday morning after a gang entered the bus in order to commit a robbery, according to the local El Cronista daily.

A police officer was also reportedly onboard and a shoot-out ensued, with the assailants escaping in a waiting car.

One suspect was later detained as authorities continued with their investigation, according to local daily Infobae.