By The General Justice, June 8
On June 7, 2025, Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, a 39-year-old conservative and potential presidential candidate for the 2026 election, was shot multiple times during a campaign rally in Bogotá’s Fontibón district.
The attack, described as a stark reminder of Colombia’s history of political violence, has left Uribe in critical condition and sent shockwaves through the nation.
The incident occurred at a small campaign event in the Modelia neighborhood. While addressing supporters, Uribe was shot by a 15-year-old assailant from close range, with reports indicating at least three bullets struck him, hitting his back, knee, and possibly his head. Graphic images on social media showed Uribe, bloodied and supported by bystanders, before he was airlifted to the Fundación Santa Fe Clinic in Bogotá.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with one noting the shooter fired from about a meter away, highlighting a significant security lapse.
Uribe underwent emergency surgery for severe injuries, including vascular and possibly neurosurgical procedures.
As of June 8, 2025, Reuters reported that his initial operation was successful, and he remains alive but in critical condition.
Earlier reports of a bullet lodged in his occipital skull region were corrected, confirming injuries to his back and knee instead.
Colombian authorities arrested a 15-year-old suspect at the scene, and police later detained a second individual. The government has offered a $730,000 reward for information leading to the mastermind behind the attack. President Gustavo Petro, a political rival, vowed to find those responsible, though the motive remains unclear.
Speculations range from political motives to broader security issues, with some posts controversially linking the attack to Petro’s supporters, though these claims lack evidence.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities probing whether the shooting was politically driven or tied to other factors, given Colombia’s history of violence involving drug cartels and guerrilla groups.
Political Context and ReactionsUribe, a prominent opposition figure, is known for his conservative platform and criticism of Petro’s administration.
Moments before the attack, he reportedly discussed legalizing gun ownership, a divisive issue in Colombia.
The shooting has reignited debates about political violence in a country scarred by decades of conflict, including the 1989 assassination of presidential candidate Luis Carlos Galán and the 1991 killing of Uribe’s mother, journalist Diana Turbay, by Pablo Escobar’s operatives.
Political leaders across the spectrum condemned the attack. Petro called for justice, while Uribe’s party and supporters demanded enhanced security for candidates.
The attack evokes Colombia’s violent past, where political figures were frequent targets of assassinations. Uribe’s personal history losing his mother to Escobar’s violence has shaped his career, and this incident underscores the persistent dangers faced by public figures.
The shooting has raised concerns about candidate safety ahead of the 2026 election and prompted calls for addressing systemic violence.
As of June 8, 2025, Uribe remains in critical condition, with his survival uncertain although his wife announced that the surgery went well. The nation awaits further updates on his health and the investigation.
This attack has not only shaken Bogotá but also cast a shadow over Colombia’s political future, highlighting the fragility of its democratic process.
Sources: Reuters NPR Al Jazeera LiveMint Politico DW ABC Australia AP News The Times CNN Washington Post NBC News
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