Incident: Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, 39, was shot in the head during a campaign event in the Fontibon neighborhood of Bogota on June 7, 2025.
Condition: He underwent surgery and remains in intensive care. His wife confirmed he survived the initial operation but recovery will be slow.
Perpetrator: A boy under 15 was arrested carrying a 9mm Glock pistol; authorities are investigating if others were involved.
Context: Uribe is a right-wing opposition figure from the Democratic Center party, potentially running for president in 2026. The motive behind the attack remains unclear.
Family Background: Uribe’s grandfather was Colombia’s president (1978-82); his mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was killed during a rescue from a kidnapping by Pablo Escobar’s group in 1991.
Government Reaction: President Gustavo Petro called for a thorough investigation; a $730,000 reward is offered for information.
Public Response: Vigils and marches of support took place in Bogota; international condemnation came from Brazil, Italy, Spain, Uruguay, Paraguay, Venezuela, and the U.S.
Political Tensions: The attack occurred amid Colombia’s ongoing security struggles and political polarization. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the attack but blamed Petro’s rhetoric for inciting violence.
