Colombia's Presidential Candidate in Critical Condition After Shooting at Rally

Mon Jan 12 2026 10:01:45 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Miguel Uribe Turbay, a presidential candidate and senator, remains in intensive care after being shot multiple times at a Bogotá campaign event, igniting national outrage.

Miguel Uribe Turbay, a Colombian presidential candidate, was critically injured after being shot twice in the head during a rally. The police have arrested a 15-year-old suspect, and the attack has drawn strong condemnation from political leaders across the spectrum, raising alarms about political violence in Colombia.

Miguel Uribe Turbay, a 39-year-old senator representing the conservative Centro Democratico party, is currently in intensive care following a shocking attack at a campaign event in Bogotá. The incident occurred during his address to supporters in a park on Saturday, where he was shot three times, including twice in the head. A 15-year-old suspect was arrested on the scene by police, with authorities confirming that he was found in possession of a 9mm Glock-type firearm.

Uribe's wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona, expressed her grief and called for prayers on social media, emphasizing the gravity of his condition as he undergoes treatment. The attack has been condemned by Uribe's political party, which described it as an assault on democracy and freedom in Colombia. Disturbing footage from the scene captured the shooting, causing chaos as supporters fled in terror.

Following the incident, Uribe was airlifted to the Santa Fe Foundation hospital, where a vigil was held by concerned supporters. Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán reported that Uribe underwent surgery and remains in an "extremely serious condition." The suspect, who was shot in the leg while evading arrest, has yet to disclose the motive behind the attack.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has also denounced the violence, framing it as not only an assault on Uribe but on democracy itself. The defense minister proposed a significant reward for information leading to the identification of anyone involved in orchestrating the shooting. In a statement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the attack, linking it to escalating rhetoric among Colombian political factions.

The broader political climate leading up to the incident has been tense, with Uribe actively opposing President Petro's reform initiatives, which he and other leaders argue are unconstitutional. The shooting serves as a stark reminder of Colombia's turbulent past and the ongoing issue of political violence. Despite promises from the current administration to foster peace, recent months have seen a troubling resurgence of violence involving armed groups, prompting public unease and calls for stability.