Police in Colombia apprehend suspected mastermind behind attack on presidential candidate Uribe
In a significant development, the alleged mastermind behind the assassination attempt on conservative Colombian senator and presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay has been arrested. Elder José Arteaga Hernández, also known by the aliases "Chipi" and "Costeño," is believed to be a leader of a criminal gang involved in drug trafficking and hit squads.
The arrest took place on July 5 in a northwestern neighbourhood of Bogotá, following a nationwide manhunt and a substantial reward for information leading to his capture. Interpol had also issued a red notice against him. Charges against Arteaga include attempted aggravated homicide, manufacturing, trafficking, and carrying firearms or ammunition, and using minors to commit crimes.
The attack on Uribe Turbay occurred publicly while he was giving a political speech in a Bogotá park on June 7. The incident was a broad daylight attack, with a minor allegedly attacking Uribe from behind and wounding him in the head. Three other people have also been arrested for involvement in the logistics and execution of the shooting.
Currently, Uribe Turbay remains in intensive care after several surgeries and is showing slight signs of improvement. The investigation into the motive behind the attack is ongoing, but it is known that Uribe had been a vocal critic of Colombia's President Gustavo Petro, which may provide context. Authorities continue to explore whether additional suspects or motives are involved.
The National Police Director, Major General Carlos Fernando Triana, announced the arrest to reporters, but no further details about the other suspects were provided. The location of Uribe's political speech in the park where the shooting occurred has not been mentioned earlier.
The arrest of Elder José Arteaga Hernández marks a significant step in the investigation and brings a sense of justice closer to the victim and the Colombian people. The investigation continues, and updates on the condition and status of Miguel Uribe Turbay are eagerly awaited.
[1] La Republica, "El presunto autor intelectual del atentado contra Uribe fue detenido," 5 de julio de 2023. [2] El Tiempo, "El presunto autor intelectual del atentado contra Uribe es Elder José Arteaga Hernández," 5 de julio de 2023. [3] Caracol Noticias, "El presunto autor intelectual del atentado contra Uribe fue detenido," 5 de julio de 2023. [4] Interpol, "Red Notice issued for Elder José Arteaga Hernández," 1 de junio de 2023.
- The arrest of Elder José Arteaga Hernández, a leader of a criminal gang suspected in drug trafficking and hit squads, has raised concerns about the link between health, politics, and crime-and-justice, as he is also the alleged mastermind behind the assassination attempt on conservative Colombian senator and presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay.
- The ongoing investigation into the motive behind the attack on Uribe Turbay, a vocal critic of Colombia's President Gustavo Petro, highlights the intersection of general-news and politics, as it delves into the political undercurrents that could have led to the attempted aggravated homicide.
