Colombian Opposition Presidential Candidate Shot Multiple Times During Campaign Rally in Bogotá

Colombian Senator and presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay was critically injured in a shooting during a campaign event in Bogotá on Saturday afternoon. The 39-year-old politician, a member of the opposition party Centro Democrático, was addressing supporters in the Fontibón district when he was shot twice, including once in the head, by a 15-year-old assailant. The attack occurred around 5:00 PM local time (22:00 GMT). Uribe Turbay was immediately rushed to a nearby clinic before being transferred to the Santa Fe Foundation hospital, one of Bogotá's top medical facilities. He underwent emergency neurosurgery and a peripheral vascular procedure and remains in critical condition with a reserved prognosis, according to hospital statements.

The suspect, identified as a minor, was apprehended at the scene carrying a Glock 9mm pistol, which was legally purchased in the United States in August 2020. Authorities are investigating how the weapon entered Colombia. The Colombian Attorney General's Office confirmed the senator sustained two gunshot wounds, while local media reported the suspect was shot in the leg during his arrest. President Gustavo Petro condemned the attack, calling it an assault on democracy and vowing to pursue all responsible parties, including potential masterminds. The government has offered a reward of 3 billion Colombian pesos (approximately $728,000) for information leading to the capture of additional suspects.

Uribe Turbay, the grandson of former Colombian President Julio César Turbay Ayala and son of the late journalist Diana Turbay, is a prominent figure in the Centro Democrático party. His wife, María Claudia Tarazona, has appealed for prayers and requested privacy regarding his medical updates. The party denounced the attack as a threat to Colombia's democratic freedoms. Footage of the incident shows the senator collapsing mid-speech, with bystanders fleeing in panic. The investigation continues, with authorities examining possible links to organized crime.

Colombian senator and presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay was shot multiple times during a campaign event in Bogotá on Saturday, June 7, 2025. The 39-year-old, a member of the right-wing opposition party Centro Democrático, was addressing supporters in the Fontibón neighborhood when he was attacked. According to the Attorney General's Office, Uribe was shot twice in the head and once in the knee by a 15-year-old assailant, who was arrested at the scene carrying a Glock 9mm pistol. The weapon was reportedly purchased legally in the United States in August 2020, though its entry into Colombia remains unclear.

Uribe was immediately rushed to a nearby clinic before being transferred to the Santa Fe Foundation hospital, where he underwent neurosurgical and peripheral vascular procedures. His condition was described as "extremely serious" and "critical" by medical staff. His wife, María Claudia Tarazona, confirmed that he is "fighting for his life" and called for prayers. The hospital later stated that Uribe had little response to medical interventions.

The attack has drawn widespread condemnation, with Colombian President Gustavo Petro labeling it an "attack on democracy" and vowing to pursue those responsible. The government announced a reward of 3 billion Colombian pesos (approximately $728,000) for information leading to the capture of additional suspects. The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, also condemned the attack, linking it to "violent leftist rhetoric" in Colombia.

Uribe, the grandson of former Colombian President Julio César Turbay Ayala, is a prominent figure in the opposition. His party, Centro Democrático, denounced the attack as "unacceptable" and a threat to democratic freedoms. The incident has reignited fears of political violence reminiscent of Colombia's turbulent past in the 1980s and 1990s. Investigations are ongoing to determine if the attack was orchestrated by criminal elements or political adversaries.

Colombian Senator and presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay was the victim of an assassination attempt during a campaign event in Bogotá on the afternoon of June 7. The 39-year-old politician, a member of the conservative opposition party Centro Democrático, was shot multiple times while addressing the public from a stage in the Modelia neighborhood. The attack occurred around 5:00 PM local time (22:00 GMT). Witnesses reported that Uribe Turbay was shot three times, with two bullets hitting him, including one in the head. He was immediately rushed to the nearby Medicentro Clinic before being transferred to the Santa Fe Clinic, one of Bogotá's top medical facilities, where he underwent neurosurgical and peripheral vascular procedures. His condition remains critical, with a reserved prognosis, according to a statement from the Santa Fe Clinic.

The alleged shooter, a 15-year-old minor, was captured at the scene and found to be carrying a Glock 9mm pistol. Colombian President Gustavo Petro described the attacker as a hired assassin. The National Police and the Attorney General's Office confirmed the arrest and are investigating whether others were involved. Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a reward of up to 3 billion Colombian pesos (approximately $728,000) for information leading to the capture of additional suspects. Sánchez emphasized that the investigation would be thorough, stating, "There will be no room for impunity."

Uribe Turbay, the grandson of former Colombian President Julio César Turbay Ayala and the son of assassinated journalist Diana Turbay, is a prominent figure in Colombian politics. His wife, María Claudia Tarazona, appealed for privacy regarding his health updates, urging the public to rely solely on official statements from the Santa Fe Clinic. Political figures across the spectrum, including presidential candidate María Fernanda Cabal and Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia, condemned the attack, calling it an assault on democracy and freedom. The government released a statement categorically rejecting the violence, describing it as an attack not only on Uribe Turbay but also on Colombia's democratic institutions.