08.06.2025 08:42
In the general elections to be held in Colombia in 2026, prominent presidential candidate Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay from the right-wing party was seriously injured in an armed attack. It was reported that Uribe was hit by 6 bullets and that the shooter, a 15-year-old boy, has been apprehended.
Uribe (39), who met with citizens in the Modelia neighborhood west of the capital Bogotá, was shot during a speech.
It was reported that Uribe, who was taken to a private clinic by party members, was seriously injured and hit by 6 bullets.
Colombian media reported that the 15-year-old boy, who is said to have opened fire on Senator Uribe, was detained with injuries and is being treated in a clinic.
The moments of the attacker's escape captured on camera Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galan stated, "Senator Miguel Uribe was urgently treated after an assassination attempt in Fontibon this afternoon. The shooter has been captured. All hospitals in Bogotá are on alert for a possible transfer."
In a statement from the Colombian government, it was said, "We condemn the attack on Miguel Uribe Turbay in a clear and unequivocal manner. This is an act that targets not only the personal integrity of a senator but also democracy and freedom of expression. We reject all forms of violence."
The moment Uribe was shot RESPONSE TO THE ATTACK FROM PRESIDENT PETRO President Gustavo Petro condemned the attack on Uribe on his social media account, stating, "Respect life, this is a red line. Colombia should not kill its children. Because they are our children too."
Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia also reacted to the attack, saying, "Violence can never be a way. I firmly condemn the attack on Miguel Uribe. I sincerely wish for his well-being and that he has overcome the danger. In a country trying to build a peaceful society, there can be no justification for violence."
Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez Suarez announced that a reward of $700,000 would be given to those who help capture the perpetrators of the assassination attempt on Uribe.
THE DEMOCRATIC CENTER PARTY CONDEMNED THE ATTACK In a statement from the Democratic Center Party (Centro Democratico), founded by former President Alvaro Uribe, it was stated, "This attack has not only endangered the life of a political leader but has also posed a clear threat to democracy and freedoms in Colombia. We condemn it with violence."
PETRO CANCELED HIS TRIP TO FRANCE Following the assassination attempt on Uribe, President Petro canceled his program to attend the United Nations (UN) Oceans Summit in France.
In a statement from the Presidential Press Unit, it was said, "The trip was canceled to prioritize taking all necessary institutional measures to ensure security, clarify the events, and reinforce confidence in the rule of law."
The statement added, "The seriousness of the events and the National Government's commitment to defending the institutional structure and protecting all democratic actors in the country require the President and the government team to be present in the country immediately."
EMERGENCY INTERVENTION PLAN ACTIVATED The government announced that the Emergency Intervention Plan (Plan de Choque) was activated following the attack on Uribe.
High-level officials gathered under the National Protection Unit (UNP) and the Ministry of Interior are expected to make important decisions to maximize the security of presidential candidates.
FORMER PRESIDENTS CONDEMNED THE ATTACK Alvaro Uribe, the founder of the Democratic Center Party and former President, reacted to the attack in a statement.
Uribe said, "They attacked the hope of the homeland, a wonderful spouse, a father, a son, a brother, a great colleague. We pray to God for Miguel's recovery. We trust the doctors, the armed forces, and justice."
Former President Ivan Duque also condemned the attack, stating, "We condemn this cowardly act and demand that the authorities initiate a swift investigation to find those responsible. There is no place for violence in our democracy."
Former Presidents Juan Manuel Santos, Andres Pastrana, and Ernesto Samper also shared on their social media accounts that they "strongly" rejected the attack.
Colombian media reported that Uribe's condition, who is still being treated in the hospital, is "critical."
Senator Uribe is emerging as one of the presidential candidates for the 2026 general elections from the Democratic Center Party.