Colombian Presidential Hopeful Shot at Campaign Rally, Remains in Critical Condition
Colombian senator and presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe is in a critical condition following a shooting incident at a campaign gathering in Bogota on Saturday.
Medical personnel disclosed on Saturday that the 39-year-old senator from the right-wing opposition sustained two gunshot wounds to the head and one to the knee.
The defense minister, Pedro Sánchez, announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with the shooting incident and stated that authorities are probing the potential involvement of additional parties. Sánchez also mentioned that he had visited the hospital where Uribe is receiving medical treatment.
The Centro Democratico conservative party, led by Uribe, released a statement denouncing the violent incident.
The party’s statement reports that on Saturday, a campaign event led by the senator in a public park located in the Fontibon neighborhood of the capital was disrupted when ‘armed individuals’ opened fire, striking him from behind.
The party characterized the attack as severe, yet refrained from providing additional information regarding Uribe’s condition.
Colombia’s presidency has released a statement emphatically denouncing the violent attack and urging for a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia expressed her sentiments on social media, stating, “Violence can never be the solution… I sincerely hope that Uribe is safe and out of harm’s way.”
Maria Claudia Tarazona, the wife of the politician, took to his X account to request prayers for his recovery.
In a heartfelt message, she implored for divine intervention, urging people to seek God’s guidance for the medical professionals attending to Miguel, who is currently engaged in a critical battle for his life.
Uribe hails from a distinguished political lineage in Colombia. He is the son of Diana Turbay and the grandson of Julio Cesar Turbay Ayala.
Diana, a journalist hailing from Colombia, was abducted by an armed faction led by the notorious cartel chieftain, the late Pablo Escobar. Tragically, she lost her life during a rescue mission.
Her tale was prominently depicted in a nonfiction work authored by Gabriel García Márquez.
Ayala, a distinguished Colombian lawyer and politician, held the office as the 25th President of Colombia, serving from 1978 to 1982.
He previously held the roles of Foreign Minister and served as Ambassador to the United States.
Gustavo Petro expressed his condolences to the senator’s family online, stating: “I don’t know how to ease your pain. It is the pain of a mother lost, and of a homeland.”
