In a dramatic escalation of the political violence that has haunted Colombia for decades, Senator and presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay was gunned down during a campaign rally in Bogotá on June 7, 2025. As the country prepares for the 2026 presidential elections, this attack reopens old wounds and raises serious questions about the security of democratic processes in the South American country.
The attack
Uribe Turbay was hit by three bullets, twice in the head and once in the thigh, as he was preparing his speech in a square in Bogotá's Modelia neighborhood. He was rushed by helicopter to the Santa Fe Clinic, where he immediately underwent neurosurgical surgery. His condition is still critical. Doctors describe it as "life-threatening but stable."
The perpetrator, a boy estimated to be 14 or 15 years old, was arrested at the scene with a loaded Glock. Colombian authorities have since offered a reward of 3 billion pesos (about US$730,000 equivalent) for information on possible accomplices. According to some sources, two other suspects have already been taken into custody, including an adult.
Political and public reactions
The attack sparked fierce condemnation both inside and outside Colombia. President Gustavo Petro spoke of "a frontal attack on democracy," and ordered a large-scale judicial investigation. Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez confirmed that more than 100 security agents are involved in the investigation.
Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán called for increased security for all presidential candidates, calling the situation "a serious warning for the security of our democratic institutions."
In the streets of Bogotá, hundreds of citizens gathered in front of the Santa Fe clinic, where they showed support for Uribe and his family with candles and prayers. At the same time, spontaneous protests and solidarity rallies calling for an end to political violence were organized across the country.
Who is Miguel Uribe Turbay?
Miguel Uribe Turbay, 39, is a senator on behalf of the right-wing party Centro Democrático, and a rising star within Colombian politics. He announced his candidacy for president in March 2025. Uribe is grandson of former President Julio César Turbay and son of journalist Diana Turbay, who was kidnapped and killed by the Medellín cartel in 1991.
With an outspoken agenda against corruption, for security and justice reform, Uribe appeals primarily to a middle-class and conservative urban audience. His popularity grew steadily, particularly in Bogotá, where he also previously served as municipal secretary.
An international shockwave
International reactions quickly followed. From Washington, Madrid, Quito and Caracas came official statements of disgust. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denounced "the rousing rhetoric of the left" which he said contributed to the climate of violence. European diplomats called for a full, transparent investigation and increased protection for political actors.
The attack evokes memories of the dark 1980s and 1990s, when Colombia lost numerous political leaders to attacks by guerrilla groups, paramilitaries and drug cartels. The murders of Luis Carlos Galán (1989) and Jaime Pardo Leal (1987), among others, marked a low point in confidence in democracy at the time.
Implications for Colombia's democracy
Although the motive is still unclear, what is certain is that the attack will have major implications for the run-up to the May 2026 presidential election. Not only has the security environment for candidates come under strain, but the incident also raises questions about the state of the rule of law and the role of organized crime or extremist political elements.
Colombia's parliament is considering the accelerated introduction of new security protocols for all presidential candidates. At the same time, there are voices calling for moderation in the political debate, in which the tone has become increasingly strident in recent years.
Conclusion
The attack on Miguel Uribe Turbay is not simply an attack on an individual. It is an attack on the hopes of millions of Colombians who believe in a peaceful, democratic transition. While Uribe is fighting for his life, Colombia is fighting for the soul of its democracy.
