Bogota: Miguel Uribe Turbay, Colombian senator and presidential candidate, was shot during a campaign event in Fontibon area of Bogota. The 39-year-old politician was immediately taken to a medical center, but his current condition is still unknown.
Uribe belongs to the opposition Centro Democrático party and is a well-known figure in Colombian politics. Videos shared online show his head and back covered in blood after the attack. The gunman was caught and detained, according to Bogota Mayor Carlos Galan, who confirmed the arrest on social media.
President Gustavo Petro’s government condemned the violence and promised to continue protecting political leaders, no matter their party. Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia said, “Violence can never be the way forward. I strongly condemn the attack against Miguel Uribe. I sincerely hope he is safe and out of danger.”
Miguel Uribe is the grandson of former President Julio César Turbay and the son of journalist Diana Turbay, who was killed by kidnappers in the early 1990s. He has often spoken against growing violence in the country and has been a strong supporter of law and order, economic stability, and pro-business policies.
In 2022, he received the highest number of votes among all Senate candidates. He is also a close ally of former President Álvaro Uribe and has strongly criticized President Petro’s left-wing reforms.
Just a few days ago, on June 5, Uribe gave a speech at a banking conference in Cartagena. He said, “They are dragging us back to a past of violence we don’t want to return to. Without security there is nothing: physical safety, public order, legal certainty, clear rules, institutional stability, and rule of law.”
