Introduction
Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe, a potential presidential candidate for 2026, is currently fighting for his life in a hospital after being shot during a campaign event in Bogotá.Context
The 39-year-old senator, affiliated with the opposition conservative Democratic Center party, was attacked in the Fontibon neighborhood of the capital while hosting a public gathering. This party was founded by former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, though the two are not related. Eyewitness accounts and video evidence revealed that armed individuals shot Uribe from behind, leaving him severely injured.Developments
The attack drew immediate condemnation from Uribe's party, which described it as a serious incident but did not provide details on his medical condition. His wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona, shared on his social media account that he was "fighting for his life." Colombia's Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed that a suspect had been apprehended, and authorities are exploring the possibility of additional conspirators. Sanchez reported visiting Uribe in the hospital and the government is offering a reward of approximately $730,000 for information related to the shooting.The Colombian presidency issued a statement denouncing the violent attack and called for a rigorous investigation. President Gustavo Petro expressed his condolences to Uribe's family on social media, sharing the sentiment of shared national pain. In a subsequent speech, Petro revealed that the apprehended suspect was a minor and indicated that the inquiry would aim to identify those who orchestrated the incident. He also mentioned the need to review any lapses in security protocols surrounding the event.
The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, condemned the attempted assassination, attributing a portion of the violence to what he termed Petro's "inflammatory rhetoric."
Senator Uribe comes from a notable Colombian family; his father was a businessman and labor leader, while his mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was kidnapped by an armed group in 1990 and tragically killed during a rescue operation in 1991. Colombia has a long history of conflict involving leftist rebels, criminal organizations, and government forces.