Mastermind Arrested in Attempted Assassination of Colombian Senator

The arrest of Élder José Arteaga Hernandez marks a significant development in the investigation into the shooting of senator Miguel Uribe, who remains critically injured after an assassination attempt last month.

Colombian law enforcement officials have apprehended the suspected mastermind behind the shooting of Miguel Uribe, a senator and presidential hopeful, during a campaign rally on June 7th in Bogotá. Uribe, a conservative candidate for the upcoming 2026 presidential election, was shot twice in the head and is currently in critical condition.

Police identified the main suspect as Élder José Arteaga Hernandez, who is alleged to have orchestrated the attack and recruited a 15-year-old boy to execute it. Alongside the arrest of Arteaga, four additional individuals have also been taken into custody, with the teenage shooter being nabbed as he attempted to flee the scene. The young suspect has reportedly pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.

Colombian police chief Carlos Fernando Triana revealed that Arteaga has a substantial history of criminal activity, including charges of aggravated attempted homicide and involvement of minors in criminal pursuits. Arteaga, also known by the aliases Chipi and Costeño, was said to have coordinated the attack - hiring the shooter and supplying the weapon used. Authorities previously indicated that he was in proximity to the location of the shooting during the incident.

Miguel Uribe, who has been serving as a senator since 2022, is a vocal critic of the current left-leaning government led by President Gustavo Petro. From a notable political lineage, Uribe's candidacy was declared last October. His family has faced a tragic history, with his mother, renowned journalist Diana Turbay, murdered by the Medellin cartel in 1991 during a kidnapping ordeal.

The violent incident on June 7 sparked significant public outcry, evidenced by silent protests attended by thousands of Colombians, showcasing the nation's unrest regarding political violence and security.