What happened to Miguel Uribe during the campaign event?
Colombian senator and presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbay is in critical condition after surviving a violent assassination attempt during a political event in Bogotá on Saturday night. The attack occurred in the Modelia neighborhood, located in the western Fontibón district of the capital, while Uribe was delivering a speech to a gathering of supporters in a public park.
According to eyewitness reports and video footage shared on social media, a young assailant emerged from the crowd and shot the candidate twice. The attacker, a 15-year-old, was quickly apprehended by authorities, as confirmed by the Colombian Prosecutor’s Office. The footage shows Uribe collapsing after a gunshot was fired in the direction of his head.
Uribe was initially taken to Clínica Medicentro, where he received emergency care. Once stabilized, he was transferred to Fundación Santa Fe, one of Colombia’s leading hospitals, for more complex treatment. Hospital staff stated that he arrived in “critical condition” and underwent both neurosurgery and vascular surgery.
What is Miguel Uribe’s current condition and how is the country reacting?
As of Sunday morning, Uribe has emerged from surgery but remains in a delicate state. His wife, María Claudia Tarazona, shared a hopeful message through the social platform X, previously known as Twitter: “Miguel is out of surgery. He made it. Now begins a major effort toward recovery.”
This message was echoed by Christian Garcés, a fellow congressman from the Centro Democrático party, who emphasized the gravity of the situation and called for unity and prayers. Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán, who personally visited the hospital, confirmed the successful completion of the initial surgery and urged Colombians to “pray for Miguel’s life.”
The incident has drawn national attention, especially considering Colombia’s tumultuous history with political violence. Mayor Galán’s statement resonated with many, as he recalled the assassination of his own father, Luis Carlos Galán, in 1989 under similar circumstances while campaigning for the presidency.
Despite the trauma, no official medical statement detailing Uribe’s prognosis has been released by Fundación Santa Fe. The family and his political allies continue to request privacy and support.
Who is Miguel Uribe and why was he targeted?
At 39, Miguel Uribe Turbay is a rising political figure with deep familial ties to Colombian politics. He is the grandson of former President Julio César Turbay (1978–1982) and the son of Diana Turbay, a journalist tragically killed in 1991 while being held hostage by drug traffickers linked to Pablo Escobar.
Uribe has carved out his own political path as a strong ally of former President Álvaro Uribe, although they are not related. His career has been marked by vocal opposition to the administration of current President Gustavo Petro. In particular, Uribe has criticized Petro’s handling of national security and his controversial plans to bypass Congress through decrees, including efforts to push forward a labor reform rejected by the Senate.
In the 2022 legislative elections, Uribe Turbay earned the highest number of votes of any senator, cementing his popularity among conservative and centrist voters. His stance against rising crime and his strong rhetoric against guerrilla negotiations and populist measures have made him a polarizing yet influential figure in the lead-up to Colombia’s 2026 presidential race.
The attack on Uribe raises fresh concerns about the safety of political candidates and the volatility of Colombian politics. Although investigations are ongoing, authorities have yet to establish whether the attacker acted alone or was influenced or directed by a larger group.
What does this attack mean for Colombia’s political future?
The assassination attempt on Miguel Uribe has reignited fears of political instability in Colombia and evoked painful memories of past electoral violence. As the country prepares for its next presidential election cycle, the safety of candidates and the preservation of democratic values have taken center stage in public discourse.
Political leaders from across the spectrum have condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Uribe’s family. President Petro, despite their political rivalry, reportedly expressed concern and called for a peaceful resolution of conflicts. Analysts suggest that the incident could alter the dynamics of the campaign, potentially heightening tensions and reinforcing calls for greater protection of public figures.
With Miguel Uribe still fighting for his life, questions abound about the implications for Colombia’s future. Will this attack galvanize voters to stand against political violence, or will it deepen divisions in an already polarized nation?
