Throngs of Colombians reject former Congressman Miguel Uribe Turbay at the Nation's Capital Building
The National Capitol of Colombia opened its doors on Tuesday, allowing citizens to pay their respects to the late Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay. The 39-year-old politician, a presidential hopeful and the most voted senator of the Centro Democrático conservative party in the 2022 elections, passed away on Monday following an attack during a political rally in Bogotá on June 7, 2021.
Uribe Turbay's coffin, covered with the Colombian flag and guarded by soldiers, is currently located in the Elíptico Hall. Access to the Hall is allowed in small groups after strict security checks. Some attendees have been seen carrying white flowers, making the sign of the cross, or murmuring prayers.
On the day of the attack, Uribe Turbay was shot during a political rally in the Modelia neighborhood. The Minister of the Interior, Armando Benedetti, attended the Capitol to present his condolences.
Justice for Uribe Turbay's death is hoped to strengthen democracy, according to María Claudia Tarazona, his widow. She has asked to reject any act of revenge. The Colombian Prosecutor's Office has charged a second suspect in the attack, Elder José Arteaga Hernández, also known as "El Costeño" or "Chipi." He is accused of being the alleged mastermind behind the attack and faces charges including attempted aggravated homicide, arms trafficking, and exploitation of minors for criminal activities.
A teenage suspect, approximately 15 years old, was also arrested at the scene and charged with attempted homicide and illegal possession of a firearm. Several other individuals have been arrested in connection with the attack, including those suspected of providing logistical support and planning assistance.
While the investigation has identified these suspects and made arrests, as of August 2025, the authorities have not publicly disclosed a definite motive. Some intelligence points to possible involvement of the Segunda Marquetalia dissident guerrilla faction, potentially seeing Uribe Turbay as a political threat.
After noon on Wednesday, the coffin will be taken to the Primatial Cathedral for the funeral. The Primatial Cathedral was the same temple where Uribe Turbay's mother, Diana Turbay, and grandparents, former president Julio César Turbay and Nydia Quintero, were bid farewell. A private ceremony was held the night before, attended by former presidents César Gaviria and Juan Manuel Santos, the mayor of Bogotá, Carlos Fernando Galán, diplomats like the head of the US mission, John T. McNamara, and presidential hopeful Juan Daniel Oviedo.
The Colombian government has declared a national day of mourning. Julio César Turbay Quintero, the senator's uncle, has urged to set aside inflammatory speeches and calls for confrontation.
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