The arrest of Élder José Arteaga Hernandez, linked to an assassination attempt on Senator Miguel Uribe, sparks national outrage and protests in Colombia. Uribe's condition remains precarious following the attack.**
Arrest Made in Assassination Attempt of Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe**
Arrest Made in Assassination Attempt of Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe**
Colombian authorities apprehend the alleged mastermind behind a shooting at a political rally, leaving a presidential contender in critical condition.**
Colombian authorities have made a significant arrest in connection with the attempted assassination of Senator Miguel Uribe, a prominent conservative figure eyeing the 2026 presidential election. The senator was shot twice in the head during a campaign rally in Bogotá last month and remains in critical condition.
Police have identified Élder José Arteaga Hernandez as the alleged mastermind behind the attack. Reports indicate that he instructed a 15-year-old to execute the shooting. The arrest comes on the heels of four earlier detentions, including that of the young shooter, who was caught fleeing the scene and has since pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The police chief Carlos Fernando Triana emphasized Arteaga's extensive criminal history, highlighting charges of "aggravated attempted homicide" and "use of minors for criminal activities." They assert that Arteaga orchestrated the shooting, including hiring the assailant and supplying a firearm for the attack. Previously, authorities had placed Arteaga near the site of the shooting, further solidifying their case against him.
Miguel Uribe, 39, has emerged as a notable critic of Colombia's left-wing President Gustavo Petro and announced his presidential candidacy last October. Coming from a politically influential family, Uribe's mother—a journalist—was tragically killed during a failed rescue attempt by the Medellín drug cartel in 1991.
The attack on Uribe has led to widespread public outrage, resulting in silent protests by tens of thousands of Colombians who demand accountability and greater safety for public figures. The incident has ignited renewed conversations around violence and political instability in Colombia, raising concerns about the safety of its political landscape as the upcoming elections loom.
