Colombian Presidential Candidate Hospitalized After Shooting at Rally

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, raising alarms about political violence in Colombia as Uribe fights for his life following an attack.

A Colombian presidential candidate, Miguel Uribe Turbay, is currently in intensive care after he was shot multiple times, including twice in the head, during a rally in Bogotá. The 39-year-old senator, representing the conservative Centro Democratico party, was addressing attendees in a park when the shocking incident occurred on Saturday. A 15-year-old suspect was apprehended at the scene, shortly after the shooting.

Uribe's wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona, reached out to the public, urging prayer for her husband's recovery: "Miguel is currently fighting for his life. Let us ask God to guide the hands of the doctors who are treating him." The Centro Democratico party described the attack as a grave threat to "democracy and freedom in Colombia."

Eyewitness footage showed the moment Uribe sustained his injuries, causing a panic among supporters. He was swiftly airlifted to the Santa Fe Foundation hospital for emergency surgery, where he underwent procedures on his head and left thigh. Hospital officials reported that he remains in an extraordinarily serious condition. The suspect was also injured in the leg during a police pursuit and was found with a 9mm Glock-type firearm.

The government, led by left-wing President Gustavo Petro, vehemently condemned the attack as a "violent act" against both Uribe and the principles of democracy. Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed outrage at the "vile attack," offering a significant reward for information regarding the perpetrator's motives. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced his disapproval of the shooting as a direct threat to democracy, suggesting that it reflects the unstable political climate influenced by "violent leftist rhetoric" in Colombia.

The shooting underscores the rising hostility in Colombian politics, particularly as President Petro attempts to rally support for his reform agenda, which opposition figures, including Uribe, have criticized. Notably, Uribe comes from a notable political lineage and began his campaign for the upcoming presidential election only a month ago.

As authorities continue to investigate the motivation behind the attack, tensions remain high, echoing Colombia's troubled past marked by violence against politicians. Mayor Galán expressed his hopes that the nation can rise above such acts, emphasizing the need to prevent a return to politically motivated violence. The call for unity during this distressing time has resonated with many Colombians, as they await news on Uribe's condition while reflecting on the challenges facing the country.