Colombian Presidential Candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay Critically Injured in Shooting, Nation Calls for Unity

Published

on

REading time

2–3 minutes

Local sources from Colombia: EL PAÍS, senado.gov.co.
UK coverage: BBC.

In an alarming incident that has shaken Colombia to its core, Miguel Uribe Turbay, a prominent presidential candidate, was critically injured during a campaign event in Bogotá. The attack, which occurred on June 7, 2025, in the Fontibón district, has left Uribe Turbay fighting for his life with two gunshot wounds to the head. As the 39-year-old senator remains in critical condition, a 15-year-old suspect has been apprehended, casting a dark shadow over Colombia’s political landscape and raising serious questions about the safety of its public figures. Maria Claudia Tarazona, Uribe Turbay’s wife, has made a heartfelt plea to the nation, requesting prayers for her husband’s recovery. The Centro Democrático party, to which Uribe Turbay belongs, has vehemently condemned the attack, describing it as a direct assault on the country’s democracy and freedom. In light of this tragedy, there has been a strong wave of solidarity and condemnation from across the political spectrum. According to reports from EL PAÍS and senado.gov.co, the incident has not only left Uribe Turbay severely injured but also affected three other individuals who are now out of danger after receiving medical attention. The Bogotá Health Secretary confirmed that the victims, treated at Fontibón Hospital and Clínica Colombia, include the teenage assailant who is stable, a 20-year-old man who was grazed by a bullet, and a 36-year-old woman in need of surgical intervention for a leg injury. The Senate, led by President Efraín Cepeda, has expressed its outright rejection of this violent act, criticizing the current administration for its role in escalating tensions and division within the country. Calls for unity and an end to violence have been echoed by senators and political leaders, including María José Pizarro, who advocates for an urgent meeting of all political parties to reaffirm their commitment to democracy and peace. As Colombia grapples with this shocking event, the focus remains on Uribe Turbay’s battle for survival and the broader implications for safety and security in the lead-up to the presidential elections. With a platform centered on security and free enterprise, Uribe Turbay’s candidacy represents critical issues facing the nation, making the attack a significant blow to Colombia’s democratic process. The nation now waits anxiously for further updates on his condition, hoping for his recovery and reflecting on the measures needed to ensure the safety of its leaders and the integrity of its political institutions.