Video: Failed Assassination Attempt on Bulgarian Politician Captured Live

A prominent Bulgarian politician survived what appeared to be a dramatic point-blank assassination attempt on Saturday, when an unidentified man pointed a gas pistol at his head and fired in front of hundreds of horrified onlookers.

Ahmed Dogan, leader and founder of the influential liberal Bulgarian political party Movement for Rights and Freedoms, was delivering an address at the party’s annual conference in the capital city of Sofia when the black-clad man — who appeared to have a security pass to attend the event — approached suddenly with the pistol.

Attendees gasped as the attacker placed the gun inches from Dogan’s head and pulled the trigger twice. When no shot rang out, Dogan wrestled briefly with the man as audience members and security staff swooped in from off stage.

Gas pistols are normally used for non-lethal self-defense, but they can cause fatal injuries when fired at close range.

The 25-year-old assailant, who authorities have determined has a criminal history of robbery and drug possession, was then beaten and kicked savagely by the assembled crowd.

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