Colombia’s Miguel Uribe Turbay Shot at Campaign Rally; 15-Year-Old Suspect Arrested
Colombian presidential hopeful and senator Miguel Uribe Turbay was critically wounded after being shot three times — twice in the head — during a campaign event in Bogotá. A 15-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with the attack, reigniting concerns about political violence ahead of the 2026 election.
In a shocking attack on Saturday, Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, a key contender for Colombia’s 2026 presidency, was shot multiple times during a campaign rally in the Fontibón area of Bogotá. The assailant — a 15-year-old boy — allegedly opened fire with a Glock-style handgun, hitting Uribe twice in the head and once in the thigh
Emergency response teams rushed Uribe Turbay to the Fundación Santa Fe hospital, where he underwent neurosurgery and vascular procedures. Hospital officials say he survived the surgery but remains in critical condition, entering a delicate phase of recovery
At least two bystanders were also wounded during the incident — a 20-year-old man, a 36-year-old woman, and even another teenager caught in the chaos
⚖️ Political Context & Reaction
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Personal Legacy: Uribe Turbay is the grandson of former president Julio César Turbay Ayala and the son of journalist Diana Turbay, who was kidnapped and killed by Pablo Escobar’s cartel in 1991 .
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National Alarm: President Gustavo Petro condemned the attack as an “assault on democracy” and has launched a full criminal investigation into both the shooter and those who may have orchestrated the attack
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Security Warning: Defense Minister Pedro Arnulfo Sánchez announced an immediate reward of 3 billion COP (~USD 730,000) for any information leading to further arrests .
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International Outrage: The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, described the event as a “direct threat to democracy” and called on President Petro to “dial back inflammatory rhetoric”
❗ Why It Matters
Colombia’s history is scarred by politically motivated assassinations, especially during the 1980s and 1990s. This attack echoes the killings of figures like Luis Carlos Galán and Fernando Villavicencio, raising fears that political violence is resurfacing With elections scheduled for May 2026, this incident is casting a shadow on political discourse and highlighting urgent calls for improved candidate protection.
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