Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay Faces Life-Threatening Attack During Campaign Event
Miguel Uribe Turbay, a prominent Colombian senator and a presidential candidate representing the Uribista party, Centro Democrático, was gravely injured in a violent attack on Saturday while campaigning in Bogotá. The incident occurred in the Modelia neighborhood, where the 39-year-old senator was shot multiple times—reportedly six bullets struck him—before being rushed to Clínica Colombia for urgent medical treatment.
The shocking visuals of his supporters carrying him to safety quickly circulated on social media, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Uribe Turbay, known for his strong alignment with former president Álvaro Uribe and a vocal critic of the current president, Gustavo Petro, has sparked both political loyalty and animosity throughout his political career. In light of the attack, President Petro expressed his sorrow and solidarity, stating, 'My solidarity to the Uribe family and the Turbay family. I do not know how to mitigate their pain. It is the pain of a mother lost and of the homeland.'
Miguel Uribe Turbay has a deeply personal history involving violence; he is the son of journalist Diana Turbay, who was kidnapped and murdered by drug traffickers linked to Pablo Escobar in 1991. He is also the grandson of Julio César Turbay, a former president of Colombia from 1978 to 1982.
Colombian Chancellor Laura Sarabia was among the first officials to publicly condemn the attack, stating, 'Violence can never be the way. I strongly reject the attack against Miguel Uribe. I sincerely hope he is well and out of danger. Nothing justifies the use of violence in a society that seeks to build in peace.'
Throughout his political career, Uribe Turbay has taken on significant roles, serving as a councilor in Bogotá from 2012 to 2015 and as the Secretary of Government under Mayor Enrique Peñalosa. Since 2022, he has represented Centro Democrático in the Senate.
In response to the shooting, Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán confirmed that authorities had arrested the suspected assailant and stated, 'Senator Miguel Uribe is being treated urgently after being the victim of an attack in the afternoon in the locality of Fontibón. The person who fired was captured, and the entire hospital network in Bogotá is on alert in case a transfer is needed.'
As investigations are underway, the incident raises urgent questions about political violence in Colombia, where the intersection of politics and crime remains a contentious issue. Citizens and politicians alike are calling for peace and a recommitment to democratic values in the wake of this alarming act of violence.
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