Colombian Presidential Candidate Miguel Uribe Critically Wounded in Bogota Shooting
- Victor Nwoko
- Jun 7
- 2 min read
Colombian opposition senator and 2026 presidential candidate Miguel Uribe was critically injured Saturday after being shot during a campaign event in Bogota, in what officials are calling a direct attack on democracy. The 39-year-old conservative lawmaker was struck by at least one bullet—reportedly in the neck or head—and is currently in intensive care, according to national authorities.
The attack occurred around 5 p.m. local time in the western part of the capital during a public gathering organized by Uribe’s party, the right-wing Centro Democrático. The Colombian government confirmed that one suspect has been arrested in connection with the shooting.
Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia publicly condemned the violence, stating, “Violence can never be the way... I sincerely hope that Miguel Uribe is well and out of danger.” Attorney General Luz Adriana Camargo confirmed Uribe’s critical condition and said he is under constant medical supervision.
The presidency of leftist leader Gustavo Petro issued a statement denouncing the act, saying it “categorically and forcefully condemns the attack.” The statement added, “This act of violence is an attack not only against his person, but also against democracy, freedom of thought, and the legitimate exercise of politics in Colombia.”
Uribe, a vocal critic of President Petro’s administration, had formally declared his candidacy for the 2026 presidential election in October of last year. His rising political profile and uncompromising rhetoric had made him a central figure in Colombia’s opposition movement.
This incident marks the most high-profile political assassination attempt in Colombia since the violent era of drug cartels in the early 1990s. It has raised fresh concerns about the safety of political figures and the growing tension ahead of the next election cycle.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also responded, condemning the shooting as “a direct threat to democracy.” He linked the attack to what he described as “violent leftist rhetoric coming from the highest levels of the Colombian government.” Rubio urged President Petro to “dial back inflammatory rhetoric and protect Colombian officials,” emphasizing the need to preserve Colombia’s decades-long progress toward security and democratic governance.
The investigation into the motive behind the attack is ongoing, and officials have yet to release details about the suspect or possible affiliations. Meanwhile, heightened security measures are expected for political events across the country as the 2026 election draws closer.
Comments