Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay remains in critical condition after being shot twice during a campaign rally in Bogota on June 7, 2025, with authorities arresting a 15-year-old suspect at the scene. The 39-year-old potential presidential candidate for the 2026 election underwent emergency surgery but doctors indicated he has shown little response to medical interventions.
“Patient Miguel Uribe Turbay is out of surgery and his condition is extremely critical, characterized by a persistent cerebral edema and difficult to control intracerebral bleeding,” the hospital released in a statement, describing his condition as of “maximum seriousness.”
The shooting occurred during a campaign event in a public park in the Fontibon neighborhood when armed subjects shot Uribe from behind, according to his Democratic Centre party. Video footage showed Uribe speaking to a small crowd before shots rang out, later appearing slumped against a blood-stained white car with head injuries.
A minor under 15 years of age was arrested at the scene carrying a Glock 9mm pistol, according to the Attorney General’s Office. Police revealed the weapon had been purchased legally in Arizona in 2020. The suspect, who was also injured during the attack, reportedly shouted he committed the act for money for his family. He has not yet been questioned due to his injuries but is expected to face charges of attempted murder and illegal possession of a weapon.
Uribe was initially treated at one hospital before being transferred to the Santa Fe Foundation Hospital, where he underwent neurosurgical and vascular procedures on his head and left thigh. His wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona, posted on social media that her husband was fighting for his life. By June 9, medical director Adolfo Llinás Volpe confirmed Uribe’s condition remained extremely serious, with his wife asking for prayers and stating “Miguel needs a miracle.”
The attack wounded two additional people. Supporters gathered outside the hospital holding candlelight vigils and carrying Colombian flags while waiting for updates on his condition. The incident has prompted increased security measures for all presidential candidates in the country.
President Gustavo Petro condemned the attack and vowed a thorough investigation to identify the intellectual authors behind the shooting. Petro expressed sympathy for Uribe’s family and indicated the investigation would examine potential security protocol failures. The president noted that the involvement of a minor suggested the growing use of children by organized crime groups and emphasized that no resources would be spared in finding those responsible.
The Colombian government offered approximately $730,000 as a reward for information leading to the identification and capture of those responsible. Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed a suspect had been arrested and that authorities were investigating whether others were involved in the plot.
International condemnation followed the attack. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio strongly condemned the attempted assassination while blaming President Petro’s inflammatory rhetoric for contributing to political violence. Spain’s government issued a statement condemning the attack and extending solidarity to Uribe. Chilean President Gabriel Boric and Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa also expressed condemnation and solidarity with the senator’s family.
Uribe comes from one of Colombia’s most prominent political families. He is the grandson of former president Julio César Turbay Ayala, who served from 1978 to 1982. His mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was kidnapped in 1990 by an armed group under Pablo Escobar’s command and killed during a botched rescue operation in 1991. Uribe announced his presidential bid from the location where his mother died, stating he chose forgiveness over revenge.
The Harvard graduate and former Bogota city councilor has been an outspoken critic of outgoing President Petro. He serves as a member of the conservative Democratic Centre party, which was founded by former President Alvaro Uribe, though the two men are not related.
The attack underscores ongoing political violence in Colombia, a country that has experienced decades of conflict between leftist rebels, criminal groups descended from right-wing paramilitaries, and government forces. Criminal organizations in Colombia have frequently used minors to carry out violent acts, according to security analysts.
Former President Alvaro Uribe characterized the attack as targeting the hope of the country and praised Miguel Uribe as a devoted family man and colleague. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of political candidates ahead of the 2026 presidential election cycle.