What Happened to Colombian Presidential Candidate Miguel Uribe at the Rally?
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Synopsis
In a shocking incident during a campaign rally, Colombian senator Miguel Uribe was shot in Bogota. As investigations unfold, a teenager has been arrested. The attack has drawn widespread condemnation and has raised concerns about political violence in the country. What does this mean for Colombia's future?
Key Takeaways
- Miguel Uribe was shot at a campaign rally in Bogota.
- A 15-year-old has been arrested in connection with the shooting.
- The incident has drawn strong condemnation from the Colombian presidency.
- Uribe is currently in serious condition in the hospital.
- The attack highlights ongoing political violence in Colombia.
Bogota, June 8 (NationPress) Colombian senator and 2026 presidential candidate Miguel Uribe was shot during a campaign rally in Bogota, authorities have confirmed. The 39-year-old senator, a key member of the conservative opposition Democratic Centre party, was reportedly shot in the back while addressing supporters at a public park in the Fontibon neighborhood of the capital on Saturday.
According to local media, the incident transpired while Uribe was delivering a speech when "armed individuals shot him in the back." A video circulating on social media captures the moment gunfire erupted, cutting short his address.
In other footage, Uribe is seen slumped against the hood of a white car, visibly injured and covered in blood, as bystanders rush to assist him.
Authorities reported that at least one bullet hit the senator in the neck or head. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where he is currently in serious condition.
At this time, there has been no official update on his medical status.
Colombia's Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that a 15-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the shooting. Sanchez also mentioned that investigations are ongoing to ascertain if others were involved in this attack.
The minister confirmed that he visited the hospital where Uribe is receiving treatment.
The Colombian presidency denounced the incident, issuing a statement that "categorically and forcefully" condemned the violent act and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Uribe is a well-known political figure in Colombia, hailing from a prominent family with historical connections to the Liberal Party. His father was a businessman and union leader, while his mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was kidnapped in 1990 by an armed group controlled by notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar. Tragically, she was killed during a rescue attempt.
His party, the Democratic Centre, founded by former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, described the attack as serious but did not provide further information on the senator's condition.
Leftist President Gustavo Petro expressed his condolences to Uribe's family in a message posted on X, stating, "I don't know how to ease your pain. It is the pain of a mother lost and of a homeland." Colombia has long been plagued by violence driven by conflicts involving leftist guerrillas, criminal factions descended from paramilitary groups, and state forces.
Point of View
We stand firm in our commitment to providing an unbiased perspective on this troubling incident. The attack on Miguel Uribe underscores the ongoing challenges Colombia faces regarding political violence and the need for a comprehensive investigation to ensure accountability.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Miguel Uribe during the rally?
Colombian senator Miguel Uribe was shot in the back during a campaign rally in Bogota.
Is Miguel Uribe in serious condition?
Yes, he is currently in serious condition and receiving medical treatment.
Who has been arrested in connection with the shooting?
A 15-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the incident.
What has the Colombian presidency said about the incident?
The presidency condemned the violent act and called for a thorough investigation.
What is the political background of Miguel Uribe?
Miguel Uribe is a prominent member of the Democratic Centre party and the son of a well-known political family.
