The shooting of Colombian presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbay during a campaign rally in Bogotá has ignited widespread concern regarding political violence in the lead-up to the 2026 elections. The attack, executed by a 15-year-old hitman, left Uribe in critical condition and underscored the escalating tensions within Colombia's political landscape . This incident not only poses immediate threats to candidates but also raises alarms about the overall health of democratic processes in Colombia.
The 39-year-old, from the center-right Centro Democrático – or Democratic Center – the biggest opposition party in the South American nation, had expressed his intention to run in next year’s election.
He was shot twice on Saturday afternoon in the capital’s Fontibon district, according to the General Prosecutor’s Office. Police said the 15-year-old was carrying a Glock pistol when he was arrested.
Video footage showed the senator giving a speech to a crowd before multiple loud bangs rang out. He was seen lying on the ground as people around him fled. Police and civilians later rushed him to an ambulance.
Uribe has entered “the critical hours” of recovery after undergoing an initial surgical procedure, Bogota Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán said Sunday.
It is unclear who ordered the attack, which happened at around 5pm in the Fontibón neighborhood of Bogotá, but the perpetrators "almost certainly hired hitmen," according to Elizabeth Dickinson, Senior Colombia Analyst at Crisis Group International.
Petro had been elected on a promise to bring "total peace" to the country.
He made early progress in talks with gangs and rebel groups, but his interior minister recently acknowledged that the strategy was "not going well".
Dozens of soldiers and police officers were killed over a two-week span in April, in attacks the Colombian government blamed on armed groups.
In response to this heinous act, President Gustavo Petro has vowed to pursue those responsible for orchestrating the attack. He expressed solidarity with Uribe's family while condemning the shooting as a "direct affront to democracy" . The swift arrest of the alleged perpetrator highlights law enforcement's urgency in addressing this alarming trend; however, it also amplifies existing fears regarding political polarization and potential retaliatory violence among competing factions .
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of Colombia's tumultuous history with political violence and insecurity. As candidates prepare for an increasingly volatile electoral season, it is essential that all stakeholders prioritize dialogue over conflict and work collectively towards safeguarding democratic institutions .
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