Colombian Presidential Candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay in Critical Condition After Shooting Incident
In a shocking incident, Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay is currently in critical condition following a shooting at a campaign event in Bogotá. The 39-year-old senator was reportedly shot three times, including twice in the head, while addressing his supporters in a park on Saturday. Local authorities have apprehended a 15-year-old suspect at the scene of the attack.
Miguel Uribe’s wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona, has urged the nation to pray for his recovery, stating, "Miguel is currently fighting for his life. Let us ask God to guide the hands of the doctors who are treating him." The attack has sent shockwaves throughout Colombia, prompting Uribe’s political party, Centro Democratico, to condemn the violence as a grave threat to "democracy and freedom in Colombia."
Eyewitness accounts and phone footage shared online captured the moment Uribe was shot during his speech, causing chaos as supporters fled in panic. According to paramedics, Uribe sustained injuries to his knee and two gunshot wounds to his head. He was airlifted to a nearby hospital, where a vigil has formed as supporters gather to pray for his recovery.
The Colombian government, led by left-wing President Gustavo Petro, has "categorically" condemned the attack, labeling it "an act of violence against not only Uribe but also against democracy itself." Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez also denounced the "vile attack" and announced a substantial reward for information leading to the identification of those responsible.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio weighed in on the situation, labeling the shooting a "direct threat to democracy" and attributing the violence to "violent leftist rhetoric" from the highest echelons of the Colombian government. The motivations behind the suspect’s actions remain unclear at this time.
In a heartfelt video address, President Petro called on all Colombians to send their best wishes to Uribe on what he described as a "day of pain." He emphasized the importance of unity, urging citizens to focus their energy on ensuring Dr. Miguel Uribe’s survival.
Miguel Uribe Turbay, a prominent figure in Colombian politics and a vocal critic of President Petro, announced his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election in October. He has been serving as a senator since 2022 and hails from a well-known political family with deep roots in Colombia’s Liberal Party. His father was a notable union leader and businessman, while his mother, Diana Turbay, was a journalist tragically killed in 1991 during a rescue attempt after being kidnapped by Pablo Escobar’s Medellin drug cartel.
As the nation watches and prays for Uribe’s recovery, the incident raises significant concerns about political violence and its implications for Colombia’s democracy.
