presidential hopeful in Colombia gunned down three times; the suspected 15-year-old perpetrator apprehended by authorities
A 39-year-old Colombian senator and right-wing presidential candidate, Miguel Uribe, finds himself in a life-or-death situation after being shot multiple times at a campaign event in Bogota. Authorities are currently treating him in a critical condition following a brain and leg surgery.
The shooting unfolded when Uribe, speaking to supporters in the capital, was struck by a gunman not once, not twice, but thrice—twice in the head and once in the knee. In the ensuing chaos, the suspect, believed to be a 15-year-old minor, was detained by a security guard.
Images from the scene depict a harrowing sight: Uribe slumped against a white car, covered in blood, as concerned bystanders attempt to tend to his injuries. Although the suspect was injured during the skirmish, the two other individuals who sustained injuries have yet to be identified. A Glock-style firearm was seized by the authorities[1].
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, as authorities continue to investigate potential motives such as personal targeting, political affiliations, or an attempt to destabilize the government[1][2]. President Gustavo Petro, in a video address to the nation, vowed to leave no stone unturned in the search for Uribe's assailants[2].
Whispers of violence surrounding Colombia have resurfaced with this heinous act, as the country has a tumultuous history of political violence[2]. To many Colombians, the incident is a grim reminder of the country's dark past, filled with armed guerrilla groups, powerful cartels, and a rich tapestry of political strife.
Senator Uribe comes from a prominent political family: his mother, a renowned Colombian journalist, was killed after being kidnapped by Pablo Escobar's Medellin Cartel[2]. One of his grandfathers—Julio Cesar Turbay—served as president of the country from 1978 to 1982[3]. As supporters gather outside the facility, lighting candles and holding crucifixes, they share fervent hopes for his recovery.
Footnotes:
[1] Investigators probe potential motives for Colombian Senator shooting, APNews, 22 May 2023.[2] Petro promises investigations as Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe fights for life after shooting, ABC News, 22 May 2023.[3] Miguel Uribe – Who is president's critic shot at rally?, BBC News, 22 May 2023.
- The shooting incident involving Colombian senator Miguel Uribe, a presidential candidate, has reignited concerns about violence in politics, given Colombia's turbulent history with armed groups and political strife.
- In this instance, the motive behind Uribe's attack is under investigation, with authorities examining possible motivations such as personal targeting, political affiliations, or an intent to destabilize the government.
- As Uribe's condition remains critical following brain and leg surgery, the broader Colombian society is paying close attention to the developments in the case, aware that the fate of their country could potentially be determined by the outcome of the investigation into this sensational act of violence in the realm of general-news and politics.
