Colombian presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbay is fighting for his life after being shot three times, including twice in the head, during a campaign rally in Bogotá on Saturday night.
The 39-year-old opposition senator was addressing supporters in a public park when gunfire erupted, causing panic among attendees. According to local authorities, police have apprehended a 15-year-old suspect at the scene, though investigators have yet to determine a motive for the attack.
Critical Condition After Emergency Surgery
Uribe was rapidly airlifted to Santa Fe Clinic where medical teams immediately performed emergency surgery. Medical sources confirmed he sustained gunshot wounds to his knee and head, with two bullets striking his skull. His condition has been described as "grave."
His wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona, made an emotional public appeal: "Miguel is currently fighting for his life. Let us ask God to guide the hands of the doctors who are treating him." Supporters have gathered outside the hospital, holding vigil and praying for his recovery.
Disturbing footage circulating online captured the moment of the attack, showing Uribe collapsing mid-speech as panicked attendees fled in terror.
Political Background and Family Legacy
Uribe, who announced his presidential bid last October, represents the Centro Democrático (Democratic Center) party founded by former President Álvaro Uribe. He comes from one of Colombia's most prominent political families. His mother, Diana Turbay, was a journalist killed in 1991 during a rescue operation after being kidnapped by Pablo Escobar's Medellín drug cartel.
The Centro Democrático party has condemned the shooting as an attack that "endangers democracy and freedom in Colombia."
International Condemnation
The attack has sparked widespread condemnation both domestically and internationally. President Gustavo Petro's government denounced the incident as an attack "not only against [Uribe] but against democracy itself," expressing "categorical and forceful" condemnation of the violence.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter), describing the attack as a "direct threat to democracy."
This violent incident occurs amid rising political tensions in Colombia, where presidential elections are approaching and security concerns have been mounting in various regions of the country.
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