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Wednesday, Jun 18, 2025
Outside the box.
Colombian Presidential Candidate Miguel Uribe in Critical Condition After Shooting
Miguel Uribe, targeted at a campaign rally in Bogotá, remains hospitalized following emergency surgery; investigation initiated into motive and perpetrators.
Miguel Uribe, a 39-year-old senator from Colombia's rightwing Democratic Centre party, has undergone emergency surgery and is in critical condition following a shooting at a campaign event in Bogotá on Saturday.
The incident occurred in the Fontibón neighborhood, where Uribe was addressing supporters when he was shot in the head by an assailant.
Images from the scene captured Uribe slumped against a vehicle, bleeding severely, as aides attempted to staunch the flow of blood.
He was quickly airlifted to a local hospital for urgent medical care.
City officials confirmed that Uribe survived the initial surgical procedure, but his wife, María Claudia Tarazona, indicated that he remains in a precarious state, stating, "He is fighting for his life."
A 15-year-old suspect has been detained by security forces at the scene, reportedly carrying a Glock-style firearm.
The national police chief, Carlos Fernando Triana, noted that the suspect sustained injuries during the incident and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Two additional persons, a man and a woman, were also reported injured, although details about their conditions have not been disclosed.
Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Arnulfo Sánchez announced a comprehensive investigation into the attack, affirming the commitment of military and police resources to uncover the motives behind it.
A reward of 3 billion pesos (approximately £540,000) has been offered for information leading to the identification and capture of any accomplices.
President Gustavo Petro extended his condolences to Uribe’s family, expressing hopes for his recovery.
He acknowledged the need for an investigation to determine who orchestrated the attack, referring to the arrested teenager as a minor, and emphasized the importance of reviewing security protocols surrounding the event.
The Spanish government condemned the assassination attempt, labeling violence as unacceptable in democratic societies, and offered wishes for a swift recovery for Uribe.
Additionally, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denounced the attack, attributing it to "violent leftist rhetoric" and affirming solidarity with Uribe's family and supporters.
The incident marks a significant escalation in political violence as Colombia approaches the 2026 presidential elections, where Uribe is a candidate.
He is the grandson of former president Julio César Turbay Ayala, and his family has a long history in Colombian politics.
Uribe’s mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was tragically killed during a kidnapping involving drug lord Pablo Escobar in 1990.
As the country grapples with the implications of this assault on a political figure, demonstrators held vigils in Medellín in solidarity with Uribe, denouncing violence and calling for peace.
The incident occurred in the Fontibón neighborhood, where Uribe was addressing supporters when he was shot in the head by an assailant.
Images from the scene captured Uribe slumped against a vehicle, bleeding severely, as aides attempted to staunch the flow of blood.
He was quickly airlifted to a local hospital for urgent medical care.
City officials confirmed that Uribe survived the initial surgical procedure, but his wife, María Claudia Tarazona, indicated that he remains in a precarious state, stating, "He is fighting for his life."
A 15-year-old suspect has been detained by security forces at the scene, reportedly carrying a Glock-style firearm.
The national police chief, Carlos Fernando Triana, noted that the suspect sustained injuries during the incident and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Two additional persons, a man and a woman, were also reported injured, although details about their conditions have not been disclosed.
Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Arnulfo Sánchez announced a comprehensive investigation into the attack, affirming the commitment of military and police resources to uncover the motives behind it.
A reward of 3 billion pesos (approximately £540,000) has been offered for information leading to the identification and capture of any accomplices.
President Gustavo Petro extended his condolences to Uribe’s family, expressing hopes for his recovery.
He acknowledged the need for an investigation to determine who orchestrated the attack, referring to the arrested teenager as a minor, and emphasized the importance of reviewing security protocols surrounding the event.
The Spanish government condemned the assassination attempt, labeling violence as unacceptable in democratic societies, and offered wishes for a swift recovery for Uribe.
Additionally, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denounced the attack, attributing it to "violent leftist rhetoric" and affirming solidarity with Uribe's family and supporters.
The incident marks a significant escalation in political violence as Colombia approaches the 2026 presidential elections, where Uribe is a candidate.
He is the grandson of former president Julio César Turbay Ayala, and his family has a long history in Colombian politics.
Uribe’s mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was tragically killed during a kidnapping involving drug lord Pablo Escobar in 1990.
As the country grapples with the implications of this assault on a political figure, demonstrators held vigils in Medellín in solidarity with Uribe, denouncing violence and calling for peace.
