Colombian senator and presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbay is fighting for his life after being shot multiple times, including twice in the head, during a campaign rally in Bogotá on Saturday. The attack has sent shockwaves through the nation, raising fears of a return to Colombia’s history of political violence.
The Attack Uribe, a 39 year-old conservative politician from the Centro Democrático party, was speaking at a public park in Bogota’s Fontibón neighborhood when an assailant opened fire from behind. Videos circulating online show the moment gunshots interrupted his speech, causing panic among supporters .
Paramedics reported that Uribe suffered three gunshot wounds one to the knee and two to the head before being stabilized at a nearby clinic and later airlifted to Santa Fe Foundation Hospital.
Suspect Arrested
Authorities confirmed the arrest of a 15-year-old suspect found carrying a 9mm Glock type firearm at the scene . The minor was injured during the arrest and is currently in custody while investigators determine whether he acted alone or was part of a larger conspiracy .
Colombia’s government has offered a $730,000 reward for information leading to those responsible for the attack .
Political Fallout and Reactions
The shooting has drawn widespread condemnation from across Colombia and the international community:
– President Gustavo Petro, a leftist leader often at odds with Uribe’s conservative policies, called the attack an assault on democracy and urged unity, saying, “Respect life that’s the red line” .
– U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio blamed Petro’s “inflammatory rhetoric” for fostering an environment of violence, calling the attack a “direct threat to democracy”.
– Leaders across Latin America, including Chile’s Gabriel Boric and Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa, denounced the violence and expressed solidarity with Uribe’s family .
Who Is Miguel Uribe?
Uribe, elected to the Senate in 2022, is a rising star in Colombia’s conservative movement. Though not related to former President Álvaro Uribe, he is a member of the Centro Democrático, a right-wing party known for its hardline stance on security and opposition to Petro’s policies .
He comes from a prominent political family his grandfather, Julio César Turbay Ayala, served as president from 1978 to 1982. His mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was kidnapped and killed in 1991 by Pablo Escobar’s Medellín cartel .
Colombia’s History of Political Violence
The attack has revived painful memories of Colombia’s turbulent past, where presidential candidates were frequently assassinated in the 1980s and 1990s by drug cartels and armed groups . The 2016 peace deal with the FARC rebels was meant to end such violence, but tensions remain high ahead of the 2026 presidential election .
Current Condition and Next Steps
As of Sunday, Uribe remains in critical condition after undergoing neurosurgery. His wife, María Claudia Tarazona has asked for prayers, stating, “He is fighting for his life”.
Investigations are ongoing, with authorities examining possible security lapses and whether the attack was politically motivated. Meanwhile, Colombians brace for potential unrest as the nation confronts yet another chapter in its long struggle with political violence.
Sources :
Reuters, and BBC News.
Emebet Asefa , Correspondent Addis Ababa , Ethiopia
