Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay is currently in critical condition at a hospital in Bogotá following a violent attack during his campaign. The 39-year-old senator, representing the conservative Centro Democrático party, was shot while delivering a speech on Saturday. This tragic incident has raised significant concerns regarding political violence in Colombia.
Reports indicate that Uribe Turbay was struck by bullets during the campaign event, sustaining serious injuries. According to a medical report from the Fundación Santa Fe clinic in Bogotá, he was admitted in critical condition and is receiving priority medical care. Uribe Turbay's wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona, expressed her distress on social media, stating, "Miguel is currently fighting for his life. Let us ask God to guide the hands of the doctors who are treating him."
Emergency responders reported that the senator suffered a gunshot wound to the knee and two shots to the head. The 15-year-old suspect arrested in connection with the shooting was found in possession of a “9mm Glock-type firearm,” as confirmed by a statement from the attorney general’s office, which was cited by the BBC.
The Colombian government has condemned the shooting, characterizing it as an attack not only on Uribe Turbay's personal integrity but also on the principles of democracy and freedom of expression in Colombia. A statement released on Saturday emphasized, “Any act that seeks to silence through intimidation or violence those who participate in public life is unacceptable and deserves the deepest repudiation by the state and the citizenry.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also weighed in on the incident, strongly condemning the attempted assassination of Senator Uribe. In a statement late Saturday, Rubio labeled the shooting as “a direct threat to democracy” and attributed it to the “violent leftist rhetoric” emanating from high-ranking officials within the Colombian government. He further cautioned that Colombia “can’t afford to go back to the dark days of political violence,” urging President Gustavo Petro to temper his inflammatory rhetoric and ensure the protection of Colombian officials.
The attack on Miguel Uribe Turbay underscores the pressing issue of political violence in Colombia, a nation that has struggled with a history of conflict and unrest. As the country approaches significant political events, the safety of public figures and the integrity of democratic processes become increasingly critical. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, advocating for a swift investigation and accountability for those responsible for this heinous act.
