A conservative Colombian senator and presidential hopeful, Miguel Uribe Turbay, was shot from behind during a campaign event in the capital, Bogotá, on Saturday, as reported by his political party, the Democratic Center. The incident occurred amidst rising political tensions in Colombia, particularly as the leftist president, Gustavo Petro, seeks to implement a controversial labor reform that is strongly opposed by Mr. Uribe and other conservative factions.
The shooting of Senator Uribe, attributed to unknown assailants, raises serious concerns regarding political violence in Colombia. Although most violence has predominantly affected rural areas, this attack highlights the increasing risk faced by political figures in urban settings. At this time, Mr. Uribe’s health condition remains uncertain, and the motive behind the shooting has yet to be established.
In response to this alarming event, the Democratic Center party condemned the attack, labeling it “an unacceptable act of violence.” They emphasized that such acts not only jeopardize the life of a political leader but also pose a significant threat to democracy and freedom in Colombia. President Petro also took to social media to express his solidarity, stating, “My solidarity with the Uribe family and the Turbay family. I don’t know how to ease their pain.”
A video verified by The New York Times captures the moment Mr. Uribe was delivering a speech before he suddenly winced, appearing to be shot. Subsequent footage from the scene shows the senator bleeding from the head while bystanders attempted to apply pressure to the wound and assist him. This shocking incident has drawn attention to the dangerous climate for politicians in Colombia.
As of Saturday evening, one suspect had been apprehended, according to Pedro Sánchez, the defense minister. He remarked, “We are checking to see if there are any other people involved.” Additionally, Sánchez announced a reward of up to 3 billion Colombian pesos (approximately $730,000) for information that leads to the arrest of those responsible for the attack. He also indicated that he has instructed military and police forces, along with intelligence agencies, to utilize all available resources to swiftly clarify the circumstances surrounding this incident.
Minister Sánchez expressed his sorrow over the attack, stating, “This attack pains us. It mobilizes us to redouble our efforts to protect life, guarantee free political participation, and deliver justice.” As this situation evolves, it underscores the need for enhanced security measures for political candidates and leaders in Colombia, where the balance between political opposition and public safety remains precarious.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Contributions to this report were made by Simón Posada and Devon Lum.
