SOFIA, BULGARIA (CNN) — It happened in a flash.
A man Saturday approached Bulgarian opposition politician Ahmet Dogan, who was at a lectern giving a speech at a party conference in Sofia, the capital city.
Video shows the man pointing a gas pistol at the head of Dogan, who grappled with him, according to Bulgaria State News (BTA).
Dogan, leader of the ethnic Turk Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF), managed to knock the gun away as people rushed the stage and subdued the assailant.
The suspect was arrested and identified as Oktay Yenimehmedov, 25, according to media reports.
Dogan, who is leaving his party post after more than 20 years, was unscathed. He did not continue his speech.
BTA did not indicate a possible motive.
Turkey’s Anadolu News Agency said the majority of MRF’s members are ethnic Turks, who make up nearly 9% of Bulgaria’s population.
The convention elected Lutfi Mestan to succeed Dogan, Anadolu reported.
7 Comments to “DRAMATIC VIDEO: Gunman Attempts to Assassinate Politician”
January 19, 2013 at 9:47 PM
There was no danger. This is a pistol that fires blank cartridges or irritant gas shells. It cannot be used for "target practice" because it cannot discharge a projectile.
January 20, 2013 at 7:48 AM
Too bad this scene couldn't have been combined with the other top news story of the day.
January 20, 2013 at 10:25 AM
until I saw the paycheck ov $6738, I have faith …that…my neighbour was like actually receiving money in there spare time at their laptop.. there friend brother has been doing this less than seven months and just now cleard the depts on there home and bourt a great Mercedes. read more at, http://xurl.es/kb6b4
January 20, 2013 at 12:00 PM
I pray our President is always more secure than this guy.
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January 20, 2013 at 8:58 PM
What a fool,You can see him Squeeze the trigger then look at the gun. He thought it was the real deal.
February 9, 2013 at 9:25 AM
daaaamn, that's crazy