Colombian Presidential Candidate Miguel Uribe Shot at Political Rally in Bogotá, Shooter Arrested

Miguel Uribe Turbay, a Colombian presidential candidate, was shot during a political rally in Bogotá on Saturday. The shooting occurred in El Golfito Park, located in the Fontibón district.

Uribe, a senator from the right-wing Democratic Center party, was meeting supporters when a man approached from behind and opened fire, striking him in the back.

Supporters Rush to Help

Following the attack, unverified videos circulating on social media show Uribe lying on the ground, bleeding. In the videos, people can be heard shouting and calling for help while lifting Uribe’s body. “It’s shocking to see him in this state,” one witness said.

Uribe was quickly rushed to a nearby hospital. The reports showed that he had blood on his head and back. A local news outlet, SemanaTV, mentioned that Uribe was “in critical condition” after the incident.

Shooter Arrested

After the attack, Bogotá’s mayor, Carlos Fernando Galán, confirmed that the shooter was captured. He posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Senator Miguel Uribe is receiving emergency care after being the victim of an attack this afternoon in Fontibón. The shooter has been captured, and the entire Bogotá hospital network is on alert in case he needs to be transferred.”

Political Condemnation

The Democratic Center party strongly condemned the attack. They clarified in a statement, “Miguel Uribe was shot in the back while holding a campaign event in a public park in Bogotá’s Fontibón neighborhood.” The party called the shooting “a serious incident,” but did not release further details about Uribe’s condition.

The Colombian government also condemned the attack. Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia expressed her dismay, posting on social media, “Violence can never be the way… I sincerely hope that Uribe is well and out of danger.”

Who is Miguel Uribe?

Miguel Uribe is a well-known politician and lawyer, born on January 28, 1986, in Bogotá. He is a key member of the right-wing Democratic Center party. Uribe has been a staunch critic of President Gustavo Petro’s government and has aligned himself with former President Álvaro Uribe Vélez.

Uribe’s mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was tragically killed in 1991 during a rescue operation after being kidnapped by the infamous Medellín cartel.

At the age of 26, Uribe became a Bogotá City Councilor, serving from 2012 to 2015. His achievements led to him being elected president of the Council in 2014, becoming the youngest person ever to hold the position.