Colombian Presidential Hopeful Miguel Uribe Critically Wounded in Campaign Rally Shooting
Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, a 39-year-old conservative presidential candidate for the 2026 election, was shot and critically wounded during a campaign rally in Bogota's Fontibon neighborhood. Assailants shot him from behind. He is undergoing neurosurgical procedures. A 15-year-old was arrested with a firearm. The attack, condemned internationally, prompted President Petro to cancel a trip. Uribe Turbay's mother was killed in 1991 by Pablo Escobar's cartel.
Unpacked:
Miguel Uribe Turbay is a 39-year-old conservative senator and a prominent member of the opposition Democratic Center party. He is the grandson of former President Julio César Turbay and son of journalist Diana Turbay. He has been a vocal critic of President Gustavo Petro’s leftist reforms and is seen as a leading conservative candidate for the 2026 presidential election.
While Colombia has made progress since its violent 1990s era, political violence remains a serious issue. The attack on Uribe Turbay is one of the most significant assassination attempts on a high-profile politician in recent years, highlighting ongoing challenges with security and threats to political figures during election cycles.
President Gustavo Petro condemned the attack and canceled a planned international trip in response, signaling the seriousness of the incident and likely prioritizing the government’s response to political violence and ensuring the safety of other public figures.
A 15-year-old was arrested with a firearm after the shooting. Authorities have not publicly confirmed a motive yet. A reward has been offered for information leading to others involved, indicating the investigation is ongoing and that more suspects may be at large.