Bogota (AP) – Colombia Conservative presidential candidate Sen. Miguel Uribe Turbey is in “critical” condition following surgery for gunshot wounds sustained at a political rally, according to the mayor of Bogota a day ago.
Mayor Carlos Garan visited the Fundación Santa Fe Clinic to offer support to the family of the 39-year-old senator.
“He survived the surgery. These moments are crucial for his ongoing recovery,” Garan stated early Sunday after receiving updates from the medical team.
The hospital reported that Uribe Turbey is currently in the intensive care unit after undergoing neurosurgery and treatment for injuries to his left thigh. His condition is considered “very serious” with a reserved prognosis.
“Miguel has been fighting bravely for his life, and I encourage each of you to continue praying fervently,” said Uribe Turbey’s wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona, in a statement.
Former Presidents Alvaro Uribe and Cesar Gaviria visited the clinic, joined by other political figures, including senators, city council members, and former senator Ingrid Betancourt.
The attack occurred in a park in Bogota’s Fontibon district when an armed individual shot him from behind, as reported by the right-wing Democracy Center party, which Uribe Turbey represents.
Videos circulating on social media depicted a shooter firing several shots from behind at the senator, who then fell to the ground.
The Attorney General’s Office, which is investigating the shooting, confirmed that the senator was shot twice, along with two others who were also injured. Their identities and conditions have yet to be disclosed.
The office reported that a 15-year-old boy was taken into custody at the scene with a firearm. He was also injured in the foot and is recovering at a different clinic, according to authorities. Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez mentioned that over 100 officials are involved in investigating those responsible for the attack.
Elizabeth Dickinson, a security analyst at the crisis group, told The Associated Press that such attacks on senators are reminiscent of Colombia’s past. The incident has raised concerns among Colombians, highlighting a recurring cycle of violence “even within families that have faced its repercussions for decades.”
The motive behind the shooting, she stated, “seemingly aimed to provoke unrest in the country.”
The Colombian Senate called for National Unity in a statement on the day of the incident, emphasizing the dangers faced by political leaders in an increasingly polarized nation.
Uribe Turbey is the political heir of former President Julio César Turbay, who held office from 1978 to 1982. His mother, Diana Turbay, was a journalist kidnapped and murdered in 1991 during a failed rescue attempt, a key moment in the violent era plagued by drug cartel turmoil in the country.
Uribe Turbey announced his presidential campaign in early March. Colombia’s presidential election is scheduled for May 31, 2026. President Gustavo Petro, the country’s first left-leaning leader, is ineligible for re-election.
Outside the Fundación Santa Fe clinic, dozens gathered to pray for Uribe Turbey’s recovery.
Later on Saturday, President Petro convened an extraordinary security meeting, promising “total transparency” in the investigation and a thorough inquiry into those behind the attack. He also pledged to assess the failures of the senator’s security detail.
The president canceled his planned trip to France “due to the seriousness of the situation,” as per his statement.
World leaders and officials, including those from the US, Chile, Ecuador, and the European Union, condemned the violence and expressed support for Uribe Turbey’s family.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio tweeted that “the United States will condemn the attempted assassination of Senator Miguel Uribe in the strongest terms.” He urged President Petro to “dial back inflammatory rhetoric and ensure the safety of Colombian officials.”
“This is a direct threat to democracy and results from violent left-wing rhetoric originating from the highest levels of the Colombian government,” Rubio stated.
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Source: apnews.com