‘Fighting for his life’: Colombian presidential candidate Uribe ambushed during campaign speech

Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe, who may run for president in the 2026 elections, is in critical condition after being shot during a campaign event in Bogotá. This attack took place in a public park in the Fontibón neighborhood.

Uribe, a 39-year-old member of the opposition conservative Democratic Center party, was speaking to his ers when he was shot from behind. Videos shared on social media show him bleeding from a head injury before he was quickly taken to Santa Fe Foundation hospital. His wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona, said he is “fighting for his life,” highlighting the seriousness of his condition. According to Reuters, the hospital has confirmed that he underwent surgery.

Authorities swiftly arrested a suspect: a minor under 15 years old who had a 9mm Glock pistol in his possession. While the Attorney General’s office confirmed this arrest, the investigation is mainly focused on finding out who ordered the attack. As reported by NPR, the government is offering a significant reward of around $730,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Colombian presidential candidate shot

President Gustavo Petro expressed sympathy for Uribe’s family while stressing the importance of the ongoing investigation to uncover all aspects of the incident. He acknowledged the arrest of the minor but pointed out that the focus must now be on identifying those who planned the shooting, stressing the current lack of solid evidence beyond mere speculation. There will also be an investigation into failures in security protocols.

This attack has led to strong international condemnation. The United States, represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, harshly criticized the attempted assassination and attributed the growing political tensions and violence to President Petro’s rhetoric. Other governments, including Spain and Venezuela, also issued statements denouncing the attack and expressed their .

The shooting of Uribe, a leading figure in the right-wing opposition and regarded as a protégé of former President Álvaro Uribe (who is not related), adds further complexity to Colombia’s already tense political situation. He has been a strong critic of President Petro and his policies, and his potential candidacy posed a significant challenge to the sitting president. Uribe’s candidacy would offer a more conservative viewpoint, which stands in stark contrast to Petro’s leftist agenda.

We have our share of controversies in the U.S. with the Ukraine war, but it seems like issues are happening everywhere. This incident draws unsettling parallels to Colombia’s darker history, recalling the political violence of the late 1980s and early 1990s, a period characterized by the assassinations of prominent political figures amid rising tensions between leftist guerrillas, right-wing paramilitaries, and the government.

The attack has raised fears of a return to this troubling period of increased political instability, especially with presidential elections approaching. Political analysts and other presidential candidates have expressed concerns regarding the safety of candidates and the risk of further violence. Several candidates for president, including Vicky Dávila, have called for stronger security measures for candidates in the lead-up to the 2026 elections.