Presidential aspirant in Colombia meets untimely demise following shooting incident at June rally
Miguel Uribe Turbay, a senator and pre-candidate in the 2026 presidential election, was tragically shot during a campaign rally in Bogotá on June 7, 2025. He succumbed to his injuries nine weeks later, on August 11, 2025 [1][2][3].
The investigation into his assassination has led to several arrests and revelations. A 15-year-old gunman was apprehended at the scene, allegedly confessing to carrying out the attack for money from a drug dealer. The gun used was a 9mm Glock-style pistol, legally purchased in Mesa, Arizona, in 2020, but the route it took to enter Colombia remains under investigation [2].
Authorities believe the attack was orchestrated by a local gang. Elder José Arteaga Hernández, alias "Chipi" or "Costeño," was arrested in Bogotá on July 5, 2025, and accused of masterminding the attack [1][2]. A total of six people have been arrested, including those involved in logistics, planning, reconnaissance, and escape driving [2].
The Colombian government has offered a substantial reward for information and is receiving international support from the U.S., Britain, and the UAE in the investigation [1][2]. As of August 2025, authorities have not publicly confirmed a clear motive for the assassination, but some analysts see the killing as politically motivated, aiming to weaken the political right in Colombia [1].
Miguel Uribe's death has deeply impacted Colombian society and politics. A large public march was held in his honour, and concerns about political violence ahead of the 2026 elections have been raised [1][4]. Left-wing President Gustavo Petro, a fierce critic of Uribe, has assured the safety of Colombians is his top priority.
Miguel Uribe's widow, Maria Claudia Tarazona, expressed her grief on Instagram, writing "Rest in peace, love of my life" and "Thank you for a life full of love" [5]. His body will remain for public viewing in Congress in Bogotá until today. Maria Claudia Tarazona attended a state ceremony at Congress in Bogotá.
References:
[1] BBC News. (2025, August 11). Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe dies after being shot. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-58102593
[2] The Guardian. (2025, August 11). Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe dies after being shot. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/11/colombian-presidential-candidate-miguel-uribe-dies-after-being-shot
[3] Reuters. (2025, August 11). Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe dies after being shot. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/colombian-presidential-candidate-miguel-uribe-dies-after-being-shot-2025-08-11/
[4] CNN. (2025, August 13). Thousands march in Colombia to honor slain presidential candidate Miguel Uribe. Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/13/americas/colombia-miguel-uribe-march-intl/index.html
[5] Telemundo. (2025, August 11). Widow of slain Colombian presidential candidate mourns on Instagram. Retrieved from https://www.telemundo.com/noticias/2025/08/11/esposa-de-candidato-presidencial-fallecido-en-colombia-lamenta-su-muerte-en-instagram
The investigation into the assassination of Miguel Uribe Turbay, a senator and pre-candidate in the 2026 presidential election, has revealed arrests and confessions, with a 15-year-old gunman admitting to carrying out the attack for money from a drug dealer. The general-news concerning Uribe's death has also highlighted the involvement of crime-and-justice elements, as authorities believe the attack was orchestrated by a local gang.
