Miguel Uribe Turbay Shot at Campaign Rally in Bogotá Colombia Presidential Race 2025
Colombian presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbay was critically injured after being shot in the head during a rally in Bogotá A 15yearold suspect is in custody The attack has raised fears of renewed political violence ahead of the 2026 election .
Assassination Attempt Shocks Bogotá Rally
On June 7 2025 Colombian senator and presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay was shot multiple times during a campaign rally in Fontibón a western locality of Bogotá The incident occurred around 5 pm in El Golfito Park where the 39yearold politician was addressing supporters .
According to eyewitnesses and video footage circulated online chaos erupted as gunshots rang out and Uribe Turbay collapsed beside a vehicle visibly bleeding Immediate medical attention was administered before he was airlifted to Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá Hospital .
Nature of the Injuries & Emergency Response
Uribe Turbay suffered three gunshot wounds two to the head and one to the leg Upon arrival at the hospital he underwent emergency neurosurgery and vascular operations Though initially in critical condition surgeons reported that he survived the initial procedures .
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His wife María Claudia Tarazona stated that Uribe Turbay was fighting for his life and had fought the first battle and fought it well Bogotá’s mayor emphasized that the candidate remained in a highly vulnerable recovery phase .
Suspect Detained at the Scene
The assailant a 15yearold male was immediately subdued and arrested at the scene Identified by police as a sicario a hired hitman he was found in possession of a Glockstyle 9mm pistol He sustained minor injuries during the struggle and is under police custody at a hospital .
Three bystanders were also injured in the shooting including a 20yearold man a 36yearold woman and another 15yearold minor Authorities have launched a full investigation to determine whether the teen acted alone or under orders from a broader criminal or political network .
Family Legacy and Historical Echoes
Uribe Turbay is no stranger to Colombia’s violent political history He is the grandson of Julio César Turbay Ayala who served as Colombia’s president from 1978 to 1982 His mother Diana Turbay was a wellknown journalist kidnapped and killed during a rescue operation in 1991 by Pablo Escobar’s cartel .
The attack has reignited memories of the 1989 assassination of Luis Carlos Galán another presidential candidate who was gunned down at a rally during the height of cartel violence .
National & International Reactions
Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the shooting labeling it an attack on democracy Despite political differences Petro expressed sympathy for Uribe Turbay and his family noting that both he and his mother were victims of Colombias enduring political violence .
The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Spanish government also strongly condemned the attack calling for respect for democratic norms and nonviolence in political discourse .
Security Measures & Rewards Offered
In response Defense Minister Pedro Arnulfo Sánchez Suárez convened an emergency meeting with top security agencies The Colombian government has announced a reward of 3 billion pesos approx 728000 USD for information leading to those responsible .
Impact on 2026 Elections
The shooting comes less than a year before the May 2026 presidential elections sparking fears of escalating political violence Analysts warn of potential unrest public distrust and increased polarization .
Opposition figures are calling for enhanced security for all candidates and greater international monitoring .
Looking Ahead
As Miguel Uribe Turbay remains in intensive care Colombia watches anxiously for updates The investigation continues with authorities vowing to uncover whether the attack was the result of a broader conspiracy .
The nation haunted by echoes of its past now confronts difficult questions about the future of its democracy .