In a shocking act of political violence, Senator Miguel Uribe, a conservative presidential candidate with Colombia’s right-leaning Democratic Center party, was shot in the back during a public campaign event on Saturday in Bogotá.
The attack took place in broad daylight, as Uribe spoke to citizens about mental health policy in a park in the Fontibon neighborhood.
According to eyewitness footage, chaos erupted as multiple gunshots rang out.
Uribe collapsed mid-sentence, blood pouring from what appeared to be a head and neck wound.
Disturbing video footage shows terrified supporters screaming for help as bystanders rushed to apply pressure to his injuries.
WATCH (Warning: Graphic content):
The attack comes as Colombia nears a pivotal 2026 presidential election and amid rising fears that left-wing radicalism and lawlessness are emboldening political violence against conservatives.
Uribe, just 39 years old, is part of the party founded by former President Álvaro Uribe, a staunch ally of U.S. conservatives and a champion of pro-family, anti-Marxist policies.
Authorities confirmed the attacker was a teenager, caught shortly after fleeing the scene.
Surveillance footage shows him hobbling away before pointing a firearm at pursuing security forces.
Police recovered the weapon and detained the suspect, who had suffered a leg injury.
The Colombian government described the incident as a “cold-blooded assassination attempt.”
President Gustavo Petro, Colombia’s first leftist president, canceled a planned trip to France in response to the attack and released a carefully worded statement:
“Respect life, that’s the red line.”
Uribe remains in critical condition, having been rushed to Fundación Santa Fe Hospital.
Initial treatment at a local clinic stabilized him, but the severity of his injuries has drawn global attention.
The Democratic Center party issued a forceful response:
“An unacceptable act of violence.”
Former President Álvaro Uribe, unrelated by family but deeply connected politically, said:
“They attacked a hope for the nation, a great husband, father, son, brother, a great colleague…
“We pray to God for Miguel’s recovery.”
This is not just a tragedy — it’s a direct assault on the democratic process.
The Petro administration acknowledged as much, saying:
“This violent act is an attack not only against the senator’s personal integrity, but also against democracy, freedom of thought, and the legitimate exercise of politics in Colombia.”
Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez has ordered full mobilization of the military, police, and intelligence services to uncover the full scope of the plot.
A $729,000 reward is being offered for information on those responsible.
Uribe’s own family legacy is steeped in Colombia’s volatile history: his mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was kidnapped and killed in 1991 during one of the country’s darkest periods.
For many Colombians, this is not just history repeating — it is a grim sign of where the country may be heading again.
Uribe launched his presidential campaign in March with a clear vision: restore security, confront narco-terrorism, and reject socialist extremism.
The attempt on his life sends an undeniable message and raises chilling questions about the price of speaking truth in today’s volatile political climate.
