Shooting of Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Turbey

Colombian conservative senator and presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbey suffered a shooting at a weekend campaign event, where he was shot in the head by a 14-year-old boy.

As of the latest reports, Uribe remains in critical condition. His surgical response has been described as limited, raising concerns for his recovery.

The 39-year-old senator has been vocal against President Gustavo Petro’s leftist administration and is one of several candidates preparing for the upcoming 2026 elections. Uribe, elected to the Senate in 2022, is affiliated with the Democratic Centre Party, which was founded by former President Álvaro Uribe Vélez. Interestingly, Uribe’s mother, Diana Turbay, was a journalist who tragically lost her life during a rescue attempt from Pablo Escobar in 1991.

During the campaign event, Uribe was shot three times—two times to the head and once in the leg. In the chaotic aftermath, the shooter and at least two others were reported injured.

Emergency responders first took Uribe to a local facility, after which he was airlifted to a specialized hospital in Bogotá for urgent neurosurgical procedures.

By Monday morning, hospital officials, with the consent of Uribe’s family, announced he was still in critical condition but giving some response to medical interventions.

A statement from the medical team conveyed their commitment to improving his situation, noting that the prognosis remains serious.

Also on Monday, Uribe’s wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona, made an emotional appeal for prayers through social media, indicating that “Miguel needs miracles.” She expressed her strength coming from the family they have built together.

The mayor of Fontibón, Mosquera, who was present during the shooting, recounted the sudden nature of the violence, saying he had not expected an attack at the event. He described hearing loud noises just after meeting Uribe.

President Gustavo Petro responded via social media to the attack, calling for respect toward individuals, emphasizing that violence against children is unacceptable, and expressing solidarity with Uribe’s family.

Later, in a televised address, Petro condemned the assassination attempt, highlighting the need for thorough investigations to ensure accountability and prevent more young people from being drawn into such acts of violence.

Issues surrounding the shooter emerged as well, with reports indicating that the child’s mobile phone went missing after his arrest. In a curious statement, he suggested he had information to share if he were released.

On the international front, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the attack, framing it as a threat to democracy and linked it to violent rhetoric from the Colombian government. He urged the Colombian leadership to moderate their language and defend public officials.