BTN News: A homemade explosive device sent to Nicolás Pino, President of the Sociedad Rural Argentina (SRA), has sparked widespread concern and triggered an intensive investigation in Buenos Aires. The package, disguised as regular mail, was delivered to the SRA’s headquarters in the Palermo district and was designed to detonate upon opening, releasing smoke and an unidentified white powder. The incident has raised serious questions about security and has drawn responses from various sectors, including law enforcement and political entities.
Terror Strikes SRA: Homemade Bomb Detonates in Palermo
The shocking event unfolded early on a weekday morning at the SRA headquarters, located at Juncal 4440, Palermo, Buenos Aires. Pamela Sousa, the secretary to Nicolás Pino, routinely handled the day’s incoming mail, which included a package labeled as a delivery from the private courier Andreani, addressed to the SRA president. Upon opening, the package exploded, emitting smoke and a white powder, immediately triggering emergency protocols.
Sousa, along with several staff members who were nearby, was affected by the smoke and potential toxins released by the device. They were swiftly evacuated and transported to Fernández Hospital, where they were isolated and underwent toxicological assessments to rule out exposure to harmful substances.
Authorities Mobilize: Rapid Response from Police and Federal Judge
The explosive device prompted a swift response from local authorities. The Policía Científica and the anti-explosives brigade inspected the premises, while a federal investigation was launched under Judge Sebastián Casanello, currently represented by Magistrate Daniel Rafecas. Senior officials from the Security Ministry of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (CABA) quickly arrived at the scene to assess the situation and coordinate their efforts with the investigation.
The SRA issued a formal statement condemning the attack, emphasizing that the explosive package was intended “to threaten the life” of its president, Nicolás Pino. The organization is actively cooperating with the investigation, expressing confidence in the authorities’ ability to clarify the circumstances surrounding this “grave incident.”
Staff Members Isolated and Monitored for Toxic Exposure
Following the attack, affected SRA staff members, including President Pino, were placed under strict isolation at Fernández Hospital. Protocols required thorough medical examinations to identify or dismiss any exposure to potentially toxic substances that may have been part of the explosive device.
“The health and safety of all involved are our primary concerns at this time,” said the organization. “We are committed to supporting our team members and their families as we navigate this critical situation.”
Solidarity and Support: Widespread Condemnation and Reactions
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from various organizations and public figures. The entities forming the Mesa de Enlace, including Coninagro, Federación Agraria, and Confederaciones Rurales Argentinas, joined the SRA in denouncing the attack. Meanwhile, Juan Pazo from the Secretariat of Production Coordination at the Ministry of Economy and Sergio Iraeta from the Secretariat of Agriculture also expressed their solidarity.
SRA expressed its deep gratitude to all entities, associations, authorities, officials, businesses, unions, and individuals for the support and solidarity shown during these challenging times. The organization reiterated its commitment to assisting the affected families and the entire SRA community.
Investigation Ongoing: Focus on Identifying the Perpetrators
With the investigation still in its early stages, authorities are focused on identifying those responsible for sending the explosive package. The police are combing through evidence gathered from the scene, including the remains of the device, surveillance footage, and possible fingerprints or DNA.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and the investigators are considering various possibilities, including a targeted attempt to disrupt agricultural and rural advocacy efforts. The attack has raised alarms across sectors, particularly in the agricultural community, highlighting ongoing security concerns.
Public Safety Concerns and Vigilance: Authorities Urge Caution
As Buenos Aires police and federal authorities work to uncover the origins of the explosive device, they have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. “This act of violence against a prominent figure like Nicolás Pino is unacceptable,” stated a senior official from the Buenos Aires Security Ministry. “We will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice.”
Conclusion: A Call for Unity Against Violence
The attack on Nicolás Pino and the Sociedad Rural Argentina marks a disturbing chapter in Buenos Aires’s current events, underscoring the urgent need for increased security measures and community vigilance. As the investigation continues, authorities and the public alike remain focused on ensuring justice is served and preventing further incidents of this nature.
