Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Shot at Campaign Event in Bogota

Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe, a potential 2026 presidential candidate, was shot during a campaign event in Bogota on Saturday. The 39-year-old opposition leader from the conservative Democratic Center party was wounded while addressing supporters in a public park in the Fontibon neighborhood. According to party officials, he was shot from behind by unidentified armed individuals.

Uribe, who hails from a prominent Colombian family, was rushed to a hospital where he remains in critical condition. His wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona, shared on X that he is “fighting for his life.” Social media footage showed Uribe bleeding from the head as people assisted him after the attack.

Colombia’s Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed the arrest of a suspect, reportedly a minor, and said investigations are underway to identify possible masterminds. The government is offering a reward of approximately $730,000 for information related to the shooting. President Gustavo Petro expressed condolences and pledged a thorough investigation, also acknowledging potential lapses in security measures.

The U.S. strongly condemned the attack. Secretary of State Marco Rubio pointed to Petro’s "inflammatory rhetoric" as a contributing factor, highlighting concerns over rising political violence.

Uribe’s background includes deep family ties to Colombia’s turbulent past. His mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was kidnapped and killed during a rescue attempt in 1991, while held by forces under drug lord Pablo Escobar. His father was a businessman and union leader.

The shooting underscores ongoing tensions in Colombian politics, marked by conflict among leftist guerrillas, criminal groups, and government forces. As the 2026 election approaches, the attack has raised alarms about political safety and democratic stability in the country.