Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, a rising political figure and potential candidate for next year’s presidential election, was critically wounded in a shooting during a campaign event in Bogotá on Saturday. The attack has sent shockwaves through Colombia’s political landscape, prompting swift condemnation and a nationwide call for justice.

Senator Shot from Behind at Campaign Rally

The shooting took place in a park located in the Fontibón neighborhood of Bogotá. According to the conservative Democratic Centre party—aligned with former President Álvaro Uribe but unrelated to Senator Uribe Turbay—the senator was shot from behind by armed assailants during the rally. The incident also injured two other individuals.

Graphic images circulating on social media showed the 39-year-old senator covered in blood, surrounded by people providing urgent assistance. Medical officials at the Santa Fe Foundation hospital reported that Uribe Turbay was admitted in critical condition and was undergoing complex neurosurgical and peripheral vascular procedures.

Family Pleads for Support and Prayers

Senator Uribe Turbay’s wife, María Claudia Tarazona, took to the senator’s X (formerly Twitter) account to share a heartfelt message. She asked the public to join in prayer, expressing her hope and faith in the doctors treating her husband.

“I am María Claudia Tarazona, Miguel’s wife. Miguel is currently fighting for his life. Let us ask God to guide the hands of the doctors who are treating him,” she wrote. “I ask everyone to join us in a chain of prayer for Miguel’s life. I place my faith in God.”

Investigation Underway, Teen Suspect Detained

The Attorney General’s Office confirmed the senator suffered two gunshot wounds during the attack. A 15-year-old boy was detained at the scene carrying a firearm. Authorities reported that the minor was also receiving treatment for a leg injury sustained during the incident.

Colombia’s government has issued a reward for information leading to the capture of all those responsible for the attack, emphasizing the urgency of bringing the perpetrators to justice.

High-Level Response and Security Measures

In light of the gravity of the situation, President Gustavo Petro canceled a planned diplomatic trip to France, underscoring the national significance of the attack.

Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez ordered Colombia’s military, police forces, and intelligence agencies to immediately mobilize all resources necessary to investigate and clarify the facts surrounding the shooting.

“I have ordered the Colombian military and police forces and intelligence agencies to deploy all their capabilities to urgently clarify the facts,” Sánchez stated.

Context: A Senator with a Personal History of Violence

Miguel Uribe Turbay’s family history adds a poignant layer to the incident. His father, a journalist, was kidnapped and killed during Colombia’s violent era in 1991, a period marked by intense conflict and political unrest.

Uribe Turbay announced his candidacy for the May 31, 2026, presidential election earlier this year. The upcoming election will coincide with the end of President Petro’s term and is widely regarded as pivotal for the country’s future.

Witnesses and Security Details

At the time of the shooting, the senator was reportedly accompanied by Bogotá Councilman Andrés Barrios and about 20 other attendees. The presence of a minor suspect and injuries sustained during the incident have raised concerns about the security arrangements at political events.

National Impact and Political Fallout

The attack against Senator Uribe Turbay has intensified debates over political violence and security in Colombia, a country still grappling with the legacies of decades-long internal conflict. The incident has drawn international attention, highlighting risks faced by political figures and the volatility of the current electoral climate.

The Democratic Centre party described the attack as “an unacceptable act of violence,” while many Colombians expressed outrage and solidarity with the senator and his family.

Moving Forward: Calls for Unity and Security Reform

As investigations proceed, political leaders and citizens alike are calling for increased protections for candidates and a collective stand against political violence. The shooting raises urgent questions about the safety of democratic processes and the ability of Colombia to safeguard its emerging leaders.

With Senator Uribe Turbay recovering and authorities intensifying their search for the attackers, the nation watches closely, hopeful for justice and peace amid a challenging political moment.