Colombian President Confirms Arrested Teen’s Connection to “Youth of Peace” Program

President Gustavo Petro of Colombia confirmed that the 14-year-old arrested for the shooting of conservative senator Miguel Uribe Turbey was involved in his administration’s “Youth of Peace” initiative. This program aims to support at-risk youth.

In a statement on Twitter, Petro mentioned, “The district government recognized the concerning aspects of this child’s actions and enrolled him in our program known as ‘peaceful youth.’” He added that the boy had demonstrated troubling behavior and had not attended classes for a couple of months.

Local authorities are keeping the minor’s identity confidential. Reports indicate that the teenager, identified as Juan Sebastián Rodríguez Casallas, shot Senator Uribe three times at a presidential campaign event in Bogotá. Uribe sustained two gunshot wounds to the head and one injury to his leg, placing him in a precarious condition as of Tuesday morning. Uribe, known for being critical of Petro’s government, is a prominent figure in the opposition for the upcoming 2026 presidential election.

Currently, Uribe is receiving treatment at the Santa Fe Foundation in Bogotá, where he is listed in critical but stable condition. The “Youth of Peace” program, attended by numerous teenagers, is part of Petro’s broader “Total Peace” plan aimed at reducing violence through negotiations, education, and social rehabilitation.

However, reports from sources such as Home Minister Armando Benedetti have suggested that this peace initiative has faced significant challenges and has not met its intended goals. The program, which aims to provide opportunities for underprivileged youth, also seeks to reduce their involvement in illegal activities.

Astrid Caceres Cardenas, director of the Colombian Family Welfare Institute, noted that the arrested minor is cooperating with authorities regarding the events leading up to the shooting. Cardenas expressed concern for the boy’s safety and the need for protective measures surrounding his case. They have stated he is willing to be honest about what happened.

Under Colombian law, minors face specific judicial processes. Cardenas highlighted that the Ombudsman’s office and the Attorney General are closely involved in the case. She reaffirmed that all necessary protective measures are being taken for the minor.

Reports indicate that the boy has faced considerable family disruption, having lived with his aunt in a Bogotá neighborhood after losing his parents at a young age. His circumstances may have made him vulnerable to manipulation by criminals, as reflected in troubling video footage where he stated he committed the act “for money, for my family.”

Investigations are ongoing, and sources reveal that the firearm used in the assault was linked to a local purchase by an individual from Arizona. Authorities are currently looking into how firearms like this made their way into Colombia, with early findings indicating these weapons are not registered within the country.