Colombian Senator and presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay remains in critical but stable condition after being shot twice during a campaign rally in Bogota’s Fontibon district on Saturday, 7 June.
The attack, described by authorities as an attempted assassination, has sent shockwaves through Colombia and reignited fears over political violence ahead of the May 2026 presidential election.
What Happened?
Uribe Turbay, 39, was campaigning in a public park when shots were fired. He suffered gunshot wounds to the torso and leg and was quickly transported to Santa Fe Foundation Hospital, where he underwent neurosurgical and vascular surgery.
Two other people were also injured in the attack. Their identities and medical statuses have not yet been released.
Police arrested a 15-year-old suspect at the scene. Bogota Police Chief General Carlos Triana confirmed that the teenager is under investigation for attempted murder, and authorities are working to determine a motive and whether the shooter acted alone.
Who Is Miguel Uribe Turbay?
Miguel Uribe Turbay is a prominent senator with the Democratic Center Party, known for his vocal opposition to leftist President Gustavo Petro. He declared his 2026 presidential bid in March and has positioned himself as a leading conservative voice in Colombian politics.
Uribe Turbay’s political narrative is deeply shaped by personal tragedy—his father, journalist Manuel Uribe, was kidnapped and killed in 1991, during one of Colombia’s most violent periods. That history has become a symbol of his commitment to justice and democratic stability.
Why Was He Targeted?
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear. However, political violence has been a recurring threat in Colombia’s democratic history, particularly during election seasons.
Former President Álvaro Uribe—a political ally but not related by blood—called the attack an assault on “the hope of the country.” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also weighed in, urging President Petro to “protect Colombian officials” and denounce inflammatory rhetoric.
Global Reactions
World leaders and regional presidents quickly condemned the attack:
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Democratic Center Party (Colombia): “An unacceptable act of violence that endangers democratic stability.”
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Gabriel Boric (Chile): “There is no place for violence in democracy.”
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Daniel Noboa (Ecuador): “All forms of violence and intolerance must be rejected.”
Maria Claudia Tarazone, Uribe Turbay’s wife, issued a public plea on X (formerly Twitter), asking Colombians to “pray for Miguel” and support the medical teams fighting to save his life.
Political Implications
This incident has renewed fears over security protocols for political candidates and the fragility of Colombia’s democratic institutions. Despite the 2016 peace deal with FARC rebels, threats, intimidation, and violence targeting politicians persist.
The shooting comes amid a tense political climate and raises critical questions about election security, particularly as Uribe Turbay had become a rising conservative challenger to Petro’s leftist government.
What’s Next in the Investigation?
The investigation is being led by Bogota police and Colombia’s Attorney General’s Office. Forensic units are analyzing evidence from the scene, including surveillance footage and the weapon recovered.
Police have not ruled out the involvement of organized groups or political motives and are also looking into the suspect’s background and affiliations. General Triana assured the public that authorities are committed to conducting a thorough and transparent investigation.
