Colombian Presidential Hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbay Shot at Campaign Rally in Bogotá

By Georgia Hermiston

A shaken Colombia is grappling with renewed political violence after Senator and presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbay was critically wounded in an assassination attempt during a campaign event on Saturday.

Attack at Fontibón Rally

At approximately 5 p.m. in Bogotá’s Fontibón district, Uribe was shot from behind during a public appearance, according to his Democratic Centre (Centro Democrático) party. The 39‑year‑old senator was struck multiple times—reports indicate he was hit twice in the head and once in the knee. The assailant, a 15‑year‑old suspect identified as Juan Sebastián Rodríguez Casallas, was apprehended at the scene carrying a 9mm Glock pistol; two bystanders were also injured.

Critical Condition & Urgent Surgery

Rushed to Fundación Santa Fe hospital and later to Engativá Medical Center, Uribe underwent an extended neurosurgical and vascular operation. His wife, María Claudia Tarazona, shared on X (formerly Twitter) that “Miguel is fighting for his life”. The clinic confirmed he's remaining under critical care, with vigils outside as supporters pray for his recovery.

Trace of a Political Dynasty

Uribe, grandson of former President Julio César Turbay Ayala and son of journalist Diana Turbay (kidnapped and killed during the Escobar era), launched his presidential pre-campaign in March aiming for the 2026 election . Aligning with the hardline Centro Democrático, his platform focuses on confronting the violence that has long plagued Colombia.

National Response & Security Concerns

Colombian President Gustavo Petro publicly condemned the attack as an “attack against democracy,” cancelling an upcoming trip to France in solidarity. Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez called an emergency meeting of security and intelligence officials and announced a reward of 3 billion pesos (approx. $730,000 USD) for leads.

Global Outrage

International figures expressed unified condemnation:

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the attack “is a direct threat to democracy,” attributing part of the blame to “violent rhetoric” from Petro’s administration.

Leaders from Chile and Ecuador voiced solidarity, emphasizing zero tolerance for political violence in democratic spaces.

A Reminder of Colombia’s Troubled Past

Although the 2016 peace accord reduced violence, political assassinations are chilling echoes of Colombia's history—most notably that of Luis Carlos Galán in 1989. This attempted attack in the nation's capital is a stark reminder of the fragility of the democratic process.

Investigations Underway

Authorities are investigating potential accomplices and reviewing whether Uribe's security team failed to act swiftly. The prosecution is working to uncover who orchestrated the attack .

With Colombia less than a year away from pivotal elections, the shooting of a major pre-candidate has escalated tensions and raised urgent calls for enhanced campaign security. The government has pledged to bring the attackers to justice and safeguard democratic participation at all levels.

As Miguel Uribe Turbay fights for his life, his shooting reverberates through Colombia’s political landscape—awakening painful memories of past unrest and challenging the nation to fortify its democracy in the face of violent intimidation.

Georgia Hermiston is a registered nurse and a freelance writer for Veritas Expositae

You can reach her at Georgia.hermiston@veritasexpositae.com