Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay in Critical Condition After Shooting
Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, a prominent Colombian politician and hopeful presidential candidate, is fighting for his life after being shot during a campaign event on Saturday. The Santa Fe Foundation hospital in Bogotá, where he is receiving treatment, has reported that his condition remains critical with minimal response to medical interventions.
Shooting Incident Details
Uribe Turbay, a member of the right-wing Democratic Center Party, was shot in the head while campaigning in a public park in the Fontibon neighborhood of Bogotá. The hospital issued a statement confirming the severity of his injuries and stated that his prognosis is guarded. “His condition is extremely serious,” the hospital announced today.
Authorities have revealed that the 9mm pistol used in the shooting was legally purchased in Arizona, USA, raising questions about how it was smuggled into Colombia. The Attorney General’s Office is actively investigating the incident, noting that the senator sustained two gunshot wounds and underwent surgeries on his head and left thigh. He is currently in intensive care as doctors work to stabilize his health.
Arrest and Investigation
A 15-year-old boy was apprehended at the scene with a firearm, and police chief General Carlos Triana confirmed that the minor is receiving treatment for a leg injury. Attorney General Luz Adriana Camacho stated that they have yet to interrogate the teenager due to ongoing medical care. If the teen is found to be a hired gunman, it is likely he will have limited information regarding the motive behind the attack.
Two additional individuals were also injured during the incident, although details regarding their injuries have not been disclosed.
Family and Political Background
Miguel Uribe Turbay’s wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona, expressed relief that he survived the initial surgery but acknowledged the long road to recovery ahead. “Every hour is critical. He fought his first battle, and it went well,” she shared with local media. The couple has a young son.
Uribe Turbay, a member of a prominent political family, announced his intention to run for president in Colombia’s upcoming March 2026 elections. His grandfather served as president from 1978 to 1982, and his mother, journalist Diana Turbay, tragically lost her life during a rescue operation after being kidnapped by an armed group linked to notorious cartel leader Pablo Escobar.
Community Support and Calls for Action
In light of the attack, Bogotá Mayor Carlos Galan, whose father was assassinated while running for president in 1989, has called for increased security measures for all candidates. The Colombian government is offering a reward of $730,000 for information related to the shooting, and President Gustavo Petro emphasized that the investigation will focus on identifying those behind the attack.
This shocking incident has led to widespread condemnation, including a statement from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who urged President Petro to take measures to protect Colombian officials and to reduce inflammatory rhetoric.
As the investigation continues and the community rallies for Uribe Turbay’s recovery, the political climate in Colombia remains tense, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced security for political figures in the country.
