By Alejandra Legarda – Journalist

Bogotá, June 8, 2025 – Senator and presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbay, 39, was seriously injured in an assassination attempt during a campaign event on Saturday afternoon in the Fontibón district of Bogotá.

🎯 What happened, and who is Uribe Turbay?

Uribe Turbay, a member of the right-wing Democratic Center party and grandson of former President Julio César Turbay Ayala, was addressing supporters at Modelia Park when armed individuals opened fire. He was struck by two bullets—one to the head and one to the back. He was immediately transported to the Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, where he underwent emergency surgery and remains in critical condition.

A 15-year-old boy was apprehended at the scene after being injured in the shooting. Two other civilians were also wounded: a 20-year-old man who has since been discharged, and a 36-year-old woman who required surgery on her leg.

The senator has been a vocal opponent of President Gustavo Petro and had recently launched his presidential pre-candidacy for the 2026 elections. His mother, Diana Turbay, was a journalist killed during a rescue attempt after being kidnapped by drug cartels—a story that has shaped his stance against political violence.

🌐 National and international reactions

President Gustavo Petro condemned the attack as “an assault on democracy, freedom of thought, and legitimate politics.” Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán confirmed the suspect’s arrest and ordered increased hospital security.

Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez offered a reward of 3 billion pesos (≈ $730,000 USD) and convened urgent security council meetings.

From abroad, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the attack as a direct threat to democracy and urged President Petro to moderate his rhetoric and ensure the protection of public officials.

⚖️ Context and implications

The attack has revived the specter of political violence in Colombia, especially the assassination of presidential candidate Luis Carlos Galán in 1989. Despite the 2016 peace accords, political killings have reemerged, fueling fears of a new era of extreme polarization.

Senator María José Pizarro called for unity across all political sectors to defend democracy and prevent a return to violent practices.

🕊️ What’s next?

Miguel Uribe Turbay, who previously served as a Bogotá city councilor and Secretary of Government, is a key figure within the Democratic Center party. His recovery will not only affect him personally but could also reshape the political landscape ahead of 2026.

The country remains on high alert as investigations intensify. The major question now is: Who is behind this attack? And can Colombia avoid falling once again into the trap of extreme political violence?

🏥 Current medical condition, according to Fundación Santa Fe and verified media sources

Admitted in critical condition to Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá on the afternoon of June 7 after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.

A medical bulletin issued at 9:55 p.m. that night reported the activation of high-complexity emergency protocols with priority care from specialists, including neurosurgical procedures.

The senator underwent:

• Neurosurgery to manage two projectile injuries: one to the head (possibly intracranial) and another to the left leg.

• Peripheral vascular repair to address damage from the leg wound.

The procedure lasted over three hours. Upon leaving surgery, his wife and spokespersons stated:
"Miguel made it through the surgery. Now comes a major effort toward his recovery."

He remains intubated in intensive care with a guarded prognosis. His condition is considered extremely critical, and he is under constant monitoring to stabilize his vital signs.

A new medical update is expected in the coming hours regarding his post-surgical recovery and respiratory condition.

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