BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA – Colombian Senator and presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbay was shot Saturday while addressing a crowd at a campaign rally in Bogotá, leaving him in critical condition.

Key Facts

• The Incident – Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay was shot in the head and chest during a campaign rally at El Golfito Park in Bogotá’s Fontibón district.
• Suspect in Custody – A 15-year-old suspect was arrested at the scene with a 9mm Glock-type firearm.
• Current Condition – Uribe Turbay is in critical but stable condition after undergoing neurosurgical and peripheral vascular procedures.

The attack on Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, a 39-year-old presidential pre-candidate, has sent shockwaves through Colombia, prompting immediate condemnations across the political spectrum.

A Political Figure from a Prominent Family

Miguel Uribe Turbay, born January 28, 1986, is a prominent right-wing politician and a member of the conservative Democratic Centre party. He has served as a Senator since 2022 and had announced his candidacy for the 2026 presidential election in October 2024. Uribe Turbay comes from a notable political family; he is the grandson of Julio César Turbay Ayala, who served as President of Colombia from 1978 to 1982. His mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was tragically killed in 1991 during a botched rescue operation after being kidnapped by Pablo Escobar’s Medellín Cartel. Prior to his current role, Uribe Turbay held several public offices, including a member of the Bogotá City Council from 2012 to 2015 and government secretary of Bogotá from 2016 to 2018.

The Details of the Attack

The shooting occurred around 5:00 PM local time on Saturday, June 7, 2025, in the Fontibón neighborhood of Bogotá. Videos verified by The New York Times show Uribe Turbay being shot mid-speech, causing panic among attendees. He was reportedly shot twice, in the head and the chest. Following the attack, Uribe Turbay was initially stabilized at a nearby clinic before being airlifted to the Santa Fe Foundation hospital, where he arrived around 8:30 PM.

A 15-year-old suspect was apprehended at the scene by security guards and civilians. The Attorney General’s Office confirmed the suspect was found with a firearm. Two other individuals, a man and a woman, also sustained injuries during the incident, though their identities and conditions have not been detailed. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has condemned the attack and ordered a full investigation into the incident, including any potential failures in security protocols. The Ministry of Defense has offered a COP $3 billion (approximately USD $728,000) reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for ordering the attack.

Recovery and National Response

As of Sunday, June 8, 2025, Miguel Uribe Turbay remains in critical but stable condition after undergoing emergency neurosurgical and peripheral vascular procedures. His wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona, has publicly requested prayers for his recovery, stating, “Miguel is fighting for his life. Let us ask God to guide the doctors who are treating him.” Supporters have gathered outside the Santa Fe Foundation hospital for a candlelit vigil. Political figures from across Latin America, including Chilean President Gabriel Boric and Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, have also expressed solidarity and condemned the violence. The attack highlights ongoing concerns about security in Colombia, with some analysts noting a recent backsliding in the country’s security situation.