Colombian president vows to pursue the key figure behind the assassination of political adversary; 15-year-old suspect detained.
In the heart of Bogota, Colombian senator Miguel Uribe, a potential presidential candidate, found himself fighting for his life after a harrowing shooting incident during a campaign event. The 39-year-old politician from the Democratic Center, the largest opposition party in South America, was left critical following a brutal attack by a 15-year-old assailant on June 7th.
As he addressed a crowd in the Fontibon district, multiple gunshots echoed through the air. The young senator, recognized for his right-wing political stance and advocacy for security and foreign investment, was seen crumpled on the ground as chaos ensued. Police quickly apprehended the suspect, who was reportedly carrying a Glock pistol.
Gunned down in broad daylight, Uribe underwent emergency surgery and entered "the critical hours" of recovery, according to Bogota Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán. His resilient spirit was evident as his wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona, informed the media that he had fought his first battle valiantly, reminding everyone that he is "fighting for his life."
Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the attack and vowed to find the culprits, insisting that this heinous act was not a solo operation, implying the possibility of other accomplices. The president also pointed to an unsettling pattern of Colombian criminals utilizing minors for their nefarious schemes and promised a comprehensive, independent investigation to uncover the intellectual architects of this horrific incident.
Miguel Uribe hails from a distinguished Colombian political family; he is the grandson of former President Julio César Turbay Ayala, and the son of journalist Diana Turbay, who was tragically murdered by drug traffickers in 1991. His mother's death is said to have profoundly shaped his life, inspiring him to pursue a career in politics.
While the Democratic Center has yet to officially announce its presidential candidate, Uribe declared his bid in October 2024, standing at the exact location where his mother was killed. He believes that forgiveness is key to moving forward, a sentiment he expressed passionately during his campaign announcement: "I could have sought revenge, but I chose to forgive, but never forget."
International leaders and former presidents of Colombia have offered their condemnation and support in the aftermath of the attack. The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, denounced the incident as "a direct threat to democracy" and attributed it to the inflammatory rhetoric emanating from Colombia's highest echelons of power.
This shocking event serves as a stark reminder of Colombia's tumultuous political history and its ongoing struggle with political violence. The battle was fierce, but Uribe remains a beacon of hope, striving to carve his path in the face of adversity. Only time will tell whether he will emerge victorious, both literally and figuratively.
Footnotes:1. Ballinger, L. (2025, June 8). Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Talks Recovery After Being Shot By 15-Year-Old. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/colombian-senator-miguel-uribe-talks-recovery-after-being-shot-15-n13768822. Kernochan, G. (2025, June 8). Colombian senator Miguel Uribe shot at campaign event in Bogota. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/8/colombian-senator-uribe-shot-at-campaign-event-in-bogota
The shooting incident has escalated the general-news headlines, as Colombian senator Miguel Uribe, a potential presidential candidate, battles for his life after being critically injured in a brutal attack during a campaign event. Unexpectedly, the assailant was a 15-year-old, raising questions about the involvement of crime-and-justice elements in the nation's politics.
