Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe, aged 39, succumbs to injuries sustained in a shooting incident at a campaign event in Bogota on June 7. After undergoing numerous surgeries, the presidential prospect ultimately lost his life.
Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Assassinated in Bogota
In a tragic turn of events, Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe, a potential presidential candidate from the right-wing opposition, was shot during a rally in Bogota on June 7. Uribe, a recognized lawmaker for the Democratic Centre party, underwent multiple surgeries but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
Uribe's assassination has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Colombia, reminiscent of political violence during the 1980s and 1990s when four presidential candidates were murdered in separate attacks.
The 15-year-old suspect arrested at the scene has pleaded not guilty after being formally charged with attempted murder. He was found with a Glock-style 9mm handgun. Five other suspects have also been arrested in connection with the shooting.
Uribe, who was 48 years old, was a prominent figure in Colombian politics. He led the Senate slate for the Democratic Center party in the 2022 legislative elections with the slogan "Colombia First", winning a seat in the chamber. Prior to his political career, he served as Bogota's city council member at 25 and held the position of city government secretary at 30, making him the youngest person to hold the position.
Uribe's political career was marked by his opposition to President Gustavo Petro's peace strategy aimed at ending Colombia's six-decade armed conflict. He was one of the primary opposition voices to the current administration.
In a statement, Colombian Vice President Francia Marquez wrote, "Today is a sad day for the country. Violence cannot continue to mark our destiny. Democracy is not built with bullets or blood, it is built with respect, with dialogue." President Petro has beefed up security for government officials and opposition leaders since the attack on Uribe.
Uribe leaves behind his wife, a young son, and three teenage daughters from his wife's previous marriage. His mother, Diana Turbay, was killed in 1991 during a botched rescue mission after being kidnapped by the Medellin cartel.
Former right-wing President Alvaro Uribe, leader of the Democratic Center party with no relation to the deceased senator, called Miguel Uribe "a hope for the homeland". Rodrigo Uribe Echavarria, Uribe's paternal grandfather, headed the Liberal Party and supported Virgilio Barco's successful 1986 presidential campaign. Julio Cesar Turbay, Uribe's maternal grandfather, served as Colombia's president from 1978 to 1982.
President Petro has blamed an international crime ring as being behind the attack on Uribe but has not provided details or evidence. The investigation into the assassination is ongoing.
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