Breaking News: Colombian Senator Shot in Alleged Assassination Attempt at Campaign Rally
Colombian senator and potential presidential candidate sustains gunshot wounds during Bogota rally event.
Hey there! Let's dive into the latest news from Bogota, Colombia. Tensions are high as Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, a potential candidate for the country's presidential election next year, was shot and wounded during a campaign rally.
That's right, folks! The conservative Democratic Center party, once led by former President Alvaro Uribe (no relation to the senator), quickly denounced this cowardly act of violence.
The attack happened in the Fontibon neighborhood. Sen. Uribe Turbay, 39, was gunned down by armed assailants who approached from behind. Scary stuff, huh? Pictures circulating on social media show a bloodied and injured Uribe Turbay being comforted by several onlookers.
He was rushed to Santa Fe Foundation hospital, where he remains in critical condition. According to a medical report, he's undergoing neurosurgical and peripheral vascular procedures to save his life. His wife, María Claudia Tarazona, updates his supporters on his condition via his X account, asking for prayers.
The Attorney General's Office is investigating the attack. They report that Sen. Uribe Turbay sustained two gunshot wounds, which also injured two others. A 15-year-old boy was apprehended at the scene with a firearm. Colombian authorities have vowed to find those responsible and are offering a reward for information.
President Gustavo Petro, who's facing criticism for alleged inflammatory rhetoric, canceled a planned trip to France due to these grim circumstances. He's promised transparency in the investigation. It's important to note that Sen. Uribe Turbay's father, a journalist, was kidnapped and killed in 1991 during a violent period in Colombia.
Colombia will hold a presidential election on May 31, 2026, marking the end of Petro's term. In case you missed it, Sen. Uribe Turbay announced his bid for the presidency back in March.
Colombian police chief General Carlos Triana shares that Sen. Uribe Turbay was accompanied by Councilman Andrés Barrios and 20 other individuals at the time of the attack. The minor suspect was apprehended and is receiving treatment for a leg injury.
International reactions have been swift, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemning the attempted assassination and urging President Petro to tone down his rhetoric to protect Colombian officials. Other leaders across Latin America have expressed solidarity with Sen. Uribe Turbay and his family.
This case is far from over, people! Stay tuned for updates as the investigation unfolds.
On a lighter note, check out our most read stories of the day:
- Trump deploys California National Guard to LA to quell protests despite the governor's objections VIEW
- The (failed) beer run that could change Canada VIEW
- The hiker who couldn't be found
- Trump says Elon Musk could face 'serious consequences' if he backs Democratic candidates
- How Trump finally got the military parade he always wanted
- Despite the ongoing crisis in Bogota, political news in Seattle remains focused on daily issues such as war-and-conflicts, politics, and crime-and-justice.
- In a surprising move, Seattle's government has initiated negotiations with Colombian authorities to share resources and expertise in addressing common challenges, including general news topics like law enforcement and emergency response.
- As the Colombian investigations continue, Seattleites closely follow the developments in the alleged assassination attempt against Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, expressing their solidarity on various social media platforms and in local forums, showing that the event has reverberated far beyond Bogota's borders.
