A shocking act of political violence has left a prominent Colombian senator and right-wing presidential candidate fighting for his life. Miguel Uribe, 39, was critically injured after being shot three times during a campaign event in the nation’s capital on Saturday.
Uribe was addressing supporters in a public gathering when a gunman opened fire, hitting him twice in the head and once in the knee. Images from the scene show the wounded Colombian senator slumped against a white vehicle, covered in blood, while bystanders attempted to staunch the bleeding.
The attack sent ripples of shock throughout Colombia and drew condemnation from across the political spectrum, both domestically and internationally.
Teenage Attacker in Custody After Colombian Senator Shot
The suspected shooter, believed to be a 15-year-old minor, was detained by a security guard moments after the incident. Authorities confirmed that the teen was injured during the struggle and is currently receiving medical treatment.
A man and a woman who were nearby also sustained injuries in the attack. Police recovered a Glock-style handgun at the scene.
Uribe was immediately airlifted to the Santa Fe Clinic in Bogotá, where medical staff confirmed he was undergoing “neurosurgical” and “peripheral vascular” procedures. The hospital has classified his condition as “critical.”
His wife shared a post on Uribe’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, stating, “He is fighting for his life at this moment.”
President Gustavo Petro addressed the nation via a video message posted to social media, calling the incident a “day of pain” for Colombia. “What matters most today is that all Colombians focus our energy and hope on ensuring that Miguel Uribe survives,” Petro said.
He added that the attack was “not only against his person, but also against democracy, freedom of thought, and the legitimate exercise of politics in Colombia.”
Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez offered a reward of nearly $725,000 for information leading to those responsible for orchestrating the shooting. Though the motive remains unknown, the government has vowed to fully deploy law enforcement and intelligence resources to uncover the plot.
The incident also sparked international concern. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled the attack “a direct threat to democracy” and urged Petro’s administration to reduce “violent leftist rhetoric,” which he suggested may have contributed to the climate leading to the attack.
Miguel Uribe is a member of the right-leaning Democratic Center party and has been an outspoken critic of President Petro. He announced his presidential candidacy for the 2026 elections in October of last year. Despite receiving no known threats in advance of the rally, Uribe, like many high-profile Colombian politicians, had been assigned personal security due to the country’s volatile political climate.
Uribe comes from a historically significant Colombian family. He is the son of Diana Turbay, a journalist who was kidnapped and killed by Pablo Escobar’s Medellin Cartel. His grandfather, Julio César Turbay, served as the president of Colombia from 1978 to 1982.
Despite this heritage, Uribe is not related to Álvaro Uribe, the former president and current leader of the Democratic Center party, who called the attack “a blow against a hope for the country.”
Colombia has long struggled with political violence, exacerbated by the presence of armed guerrilla groups, drug cartels, and entrenched corruption. Though the country has made strides in peacebuilding in recent years, the attack on Uribe serves as a grim reminder of the lingering instability and dangers that Colombian politicians still face.
The method of the attack also raised concerns. According to a statement from Uribe’s party, the senator was shot “from behind,” suggesting the attacker may have infiltrated the crowd undetected. The assailant’s young age adds another disturbing layer to the case, raising questions about manipulation and radicalization.
Outside the Santa Fe Clinic, hundreds of Uribe’s supporters gathered to light candles and hold vigil. Some wept openly, while others clutched rosaries and sang hymns.
Carolina Gómez, a 41-year-old Colombian businesswoman, stood among the crowd. “Our hearts are broken. Colombia hurts,” she said. “We’re praying that he pulls through.”
Miguel Uribe, who has served in Colombia’s Senate since 2022, previously held roles as Bogotá’s government secretary and city councilor. He also ran for mayor of Bogotá in 2019, though he lost that election.
As the nation waits for updates on Uribe’s condition, many are reflecting on what his story says about the state of democracy in Colombia. The question on everyone’s mind: Can a Colombian politician survive not just politically, but physically, in today’s tense climate?
Source- EWN
