Colombian presidential candidate in critical condition after assassination attempt

Opposition presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay is currently in critical condition following a shooting incident during a campaign rally in Bogotá on Saturday. The senator, representing the Democratic Centre party, was targeted while delivering a speech, with video footage verified by the Washington Post capturing the moment of the attack.

Immediately after the shooting, Uribe was transported to the Santa Fe Foundation hospital, where he underwent emergency medical procedures, including neurosurgery. Despite these interventions, his condition remains serious.

Uribe, who was elected as a senator in 2022, was designated as his party's presidential candidate for the upcoming 2026 elections in October 2024. He is known for his strong criticism of the current left-wing president, Gustavo Petro, and comes from a notable political lineage; his father, a trade unionist, was kidnapped and murdered by Pablo Escobar's cartel during the 1990s.

The assassination attempt has sparked widespread shock and condemnation across Colombia. President Gustavo Petro denounced the attack, labeling it “an act of violence against democracy.” The defense minister described the shooting as vile and announced a reward of $700,000 for information leading to the attacker's identification.

The shooter has been identified as a fifteen-year-old boy, who was injured during an altercation with the National Police and is now in custody. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized the incident as “a direct threat to international democracy,” expressing his support for Uribe.

This attack has raised significant concerns about the state of security in Colombia, a country that has long grappled with the influence of armed gangs and drug cartels. Observers fear that this incident could undermine progress made in addressing violence, particularly as President Petro's administration had previously campaigned on a promise to combat such issues.

As Uribe continues to receive medical care, the political implications of this event are anticipated to resonate throughout the presidential election landscape.