Colombian Presidential Candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay Shot During Campaign Rally in Bogotá

Bogotá — Senator and presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay was shot at a campaign rally and is in critical condition, raising fears of political violence.

BOGOTA, Colombia (WE) — Gunfire broke out at a campaign rally in Bogotá on Saturday, striking Colombian senator and presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay. The 39-year-old politician was hit while speaking to supporters in El Golfito Park, located in the Modelia neighborhood. Uribe is a member of the opposition Democratic Centre party and one of the leading right-wing figures in the country’s upcoming 2026 presidential election.

The shooting happened at around 5 p.m. local time. Videos from the event show two men helping Uribe, who appeared to be bleeding from his back. Attendees screamed for help as others tried to stop the bleeding.

The Democratic Centre released a statement shortly after: “Today, in an unacceptable act of violence, Senator and presidential pre-candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay was the victim of an attack. Armed individuals shot him in the back while he was participating in a campaign event.”

Party leaders also said the attack threatened not only Uribe’s life but also democracy in Colombia. “We stand with his wife Claudia, his son, his family, and his team,” the statement concluded.

A gunfight erupted between Uribe’s bodyguards and the attacker. At least one more person was injured during the exchange. Authorities said paramedics rushed Uribe to a local hospital for emergency treatment. No official update has been given on his condition, but media outlets like Semana report that he remains in critical condition.

Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán of Bogotá confirmed the incident and said the city’s entire hospital network is on standby in case doctors need to transfer Uribe. Police arrested a 15-year-old suspect in connection with the shooting. They have not released the teen’s identity or motive.

In response, the Presidency of Colombia said it “categorically and forcefully rejects” the violence and called for a complete investigation. President Gustavo Petro condemned the attack and said that Colombia must defend democracy. He emphasized the importance of keeping political spaces safe and free of threats.

Uribe has long advocated for conservative policies and stronger public security. He is not related to Álvaro Uribe Vélez, Colombia’s former president and founder of the Democratic Centre, but he shares much of his political vision. Miguel Uribe’s political career began in Bogotá, where he served as city councilor and later held the role of Secretary of Government.

His personal history adds weight to his political stance. In 1991, drug kingpin Pablo Escobar’s Medellín cartel kidnapped Uribe’s mother, journalist Diana Turbay. She died during a failed rescue operation. That tragedy influenced Uribe’s focus on security and law enforcement throughout his political life.

On Saturday, violence returned to the political stage in a country still healing from decades of internal conflict. CBS News noted that Colombia has not seen an attack on such a high-profile politician since the violent days of the 1990s.

Other politicians quickly reacted. Federico Gutiérrez, a former Medellín mayor and conservative leader, called the shooting an attack on democracy. “This violence cannot be part of our political process,” he said. María Fernanda Cabal, another member of the Democratic Centre, added that this incident was an assault on freedom and national stability.

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Even Senator Gustavo Bolívar, an ally of President Petro, offered his support. “We must resolve our differences with dialogue, not violence,” he said.

International voices joined the outcry. The United States Embassy in Colombia condemned the shooting and urged Colombian authorities to guarantee the safety of all political candidates. Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), said the shooting threatens democracy. The United Nations human rights office also spoke out, encouraging Colombia to protect political participation and ensure the elections move forward safely.

Uribe’s campaign team has paused all upcoming events. His wife, Claudia Turbay, shared a brief message on social media. “He is a fighter. He will overcome this and return to serve Colombia,” she wrote.

Mayor Galán held a press conference on Sunday. He promised a transparent investigation and said the authorities would work to guarantee justice and public safety. “This is bigger than one candidate. It’s about protecting Colombia’s future,” Galán said.

The National Police and the Attorney General’s Office are leading the investigation. Detectives are analyzing video footage, reviewing social media posts, and gathering witness statements. Forensic experts are also working at the scene to collect evidence.

Colombia’s security agencies have increased protection for all political candidates. They are reviewing rally plans, deploying more officers, and coordinating with campaigns to prevent future attacks. Leaders from across the political spectrum are urging calm and unity in this volatile moment.

The shooter’s age has sparked intense public debate. Some wonder whether criminal groups may have recruited or manipulated the teenager. Others argue that Colombia must address youth violence more urgently, especially as the country prepares for national elections.

The attempted assassination has revived fears that Colombia could relapse into the political violence of previous decades. Many still remember the bloody campaigns of the 1980s and 1990s, when guerrilla groups, drug cartels, and paramilitaries targeted presidential hopefuls. The 2016 peace agreement with the FARC reduced the threat from armed insurgencies, but criminal violence and political divisions persist.

Security experts say Colombia needs to act quickly to protect democratic institutions. “If politicians feel unsafe, the entire political process becomes vulnerable,” said a Bogotá-based political analyst.

Supporters continue to gather outside the hospital where Uribe is being treated. Many bring candles and Colombian flags. They hold signs with messages of hope and resilience. One sign reads: “Miguel, don’t give up. Colombia needs you.”

For now, the country waits for updates on Uribe’s condition. His supporters remain hopeful. His party is preparing for what may come next, whether that means a long recovery or a return to the campaign trail.

Uribe’s name has become a symbol of resistance against violence. His campaign focused on law, order, and national pride. If he survives, he may emerge stronger, a figure shaped by personal tragedy and political courage.

The country stands at a crossroads. Saturday’s shooting exposed the fragile state of Colombian democracy. But it also inspired unity, at least for a moment, across political lines. Leaders are calling for justice. Citizens are calling for peace.

Miguel Uribe Turbay’s future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: this attack has already changed the political landscape. And it has reminded Colombia that the cost of democracy is often highest when peace is most fragile.