A Colombian presidential candidate was left fighting for his life after being shot three times — including twice in the head — during a campaign rally in the capital city, Bogota. The attack has shocked the nation and raised serious concerns about political violence in Colombia ahead of the upcoming election.
The victim, Miguel Uribe Turbay, a 39-year-old senator and member of the right-wing Centro Democrático party, was addressing supporters at a park on Saturday when the shooting took place. Eyewitnesses said the shooting happened suddenly, and panicked crowds scattered as the candidate fell to the ground.
Local police quickly arrested a 15-year-old suspect at the scene, though the reasons behind the attack remain unclear. The teenager is currently in custody while investigations continue.
Uribe was rushed to a hospital after being airlifted from the scene. Medical staff reported he sustained three gunshot wounds — one in the knee and two to the head — and he remains in critical condition. His wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona, appealed to the nation to pray for his survival, saying, “Miguel is currently fighting for his life. Let us ask God to guide the hands of the doctors who are treating him.”
The incident has cast a shadow over Colombia’s already tense political climate. The Centro Democrático party strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a “threat to democracy and freedom in Colombia.”
Government officials also responded quickly. President Gustavo Petro’s administration condemned the shooting as an “act of violence not only against Miguel Uribe but also against democracy itself.” Petro, Colombia’s left-wing president, described the day as “a day of pain” and urged all Colombians to unite in hope for Uribe’s recovery.
Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez called the attack “vile” and promised a large financial reward for information leading to those responsible. The government is treating the case with the utmost seriousness amid fears of escalating political violence in the country.
International voices have also joined the chorus of condemnation. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the shooting a “direct threat to democracy” and blamed the attack on “violent leftist rhetoric coming from the highest levels of the Colombian government,” though he did not provide evidence to support this claim.
As the investigation continues, much remains unknown about the suspect’s motive or whether he acted alone or was part of a larger plot. The attack has raised questions about the security of political candidates in Colombia as the country prepares for presidential elections scheduled for next year.
Miguel Uribe Turbay declared his intention to run for president last October. Since 2022, he has served as a senator, gaining prominence as a vocal critic of President Petro and his administration. Uribe represents a new generation of conservative politicians seeking to challenge the left-wing government’s policies.
His family background is notable in Colombian politics. Miguel’s father was a businessman and union leader, and his mother, Diana Turbay, was a well-known journalist. Tragically, Diana Turbay was kidnapped by the Medellin drug cartel led by the notorious Pablo Escobar and was killed during a rescue attempt in 1991.
This attack has brought painful memories back to the Colombian people, recalling a period when political violence and kidnappings by drug cartels were frequent.
The shooting took place in a public space filled with supporters and onlookers, many of whom captured the moment on their phones. The footage, widely shared on social media, shows the terrifying instant when Uribe was shot in the head while speaking, sparking chaos and panic.
Paramedics quickly attended to the injured senator, and his supporters gathered at the hospital to pray and hold vigils, hoping for his recovery.
Political analysts warn that such acts of violence threaten Colombia’s fragile democracy and could intimidate candidates and voters ahead of the elections. Colombia has made progress in recent years to reduce violence, but incidents like this highlight ongoing security challenges.
President Petro’s government faces criticism from some opposition groups who accuse it of stoking political tensions. However, Petro’s administration insists on promoting peaceful elections and has condemned the attack in the strongest terms.
The shooting of Miguel Uribe Turbay marks a grim moment for Colombia, as the country continues to navigate complex political divides amid hopes for a peaceful and democratic election process next year.
