Who is Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, shot at during a campaign rally in Bogota?
A conservative presidential hopeful
A member of the right-wing Democratic Center party, Uribe Turbay launched his presidential bid in March. He has become a prominent opposition voice against the government of President Gustavo Petro, the first leftist politician to become the leader of Colombia. Petro cannot seek reelection in 2026.
Uribe Turbay, whose family had also suffered political violence, launched his presidential bid in March. In October last year, he had posted a video on social media announcing his intention to run, choosing the mountains of Copacabana in the department of Antioquia as a backdrop.
The country will hold a presidential election on May 31, 2026.
'A place with deep meaning for me,' he said in the video. 'It was here that my mother was kidnapped by Pablo Escobar and was killed when I was about to turn five.'
His mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was abducted by the Medellin Cartel and killed in 1991, one of Colombia's most violent periods.
The attack on Uribe Turbay on Saturday shocked the nation and revived memories of an era when political violence affected Colombian public life.
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New Indian Express
5 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Who is Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, shot at during a campaign rally in Bogota?
A conservative presidential hopeful A member of the right-wing Democratic Center party, Uribe Turbay launched his presidential bid in March. He has become a prominent opposition voice against the government of President Gustavo Petro, the first leftist politician to become the leader of Colombia. Petro cannot seek reelection in 2026. Uribe Turbay, whose family had also suffered political violence, launched his presidential bid in March. In October last year, he had posted a video on social media announcing his intention to run, choosing the mountains of Copacabana in the department of Antioquia as a backdrop. The country will hold a presidential election on May 31, 2026. 'A place with deep meaning for me,' he said in the video. 'It was here that my mother was kidnapped by Pablo Escobar and was killed when I was about to turn five.' His mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was abducted by the Medellin Cartel and killed in 1991, one of Colombia's most violent periods. The attack on Uribe Turbay on Saturday shocked the nation and revived memories of an era when political violence affected Colombian public life.
The Hindu
11 hours ago
- The Hindu
Conservative Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe in serious condition after shooting at political rally
Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, a conservative presidential hopeful, was in 'serious' condition Sunday (June 8, 2025) following surgery for a gunshot wound at a political rally a day earlier, Bogota's mayor said. Mayor Carlos Galán visited the Fundación Santa Fe clinic to express solidarity with the family of the 39-year-old Senator. 'He survived the procedure; these are critical moments and hours for his survival,' said Mr Galán early Sunday (June 8, 2025) after receiving information from the medical staff at the clinic. The hospital said Sunday (June 8, 2025) that Mr Uribe Turbay was recovering in intensive care after undergoing neurosurgery and a procedure on his left thigh. His condition was described as 'extremely serious,' and his prognosis was reserved. 'Miguel continues to fight hard for his life, and I ask each of you to keep praying fervently,' Mr Uribe Turbay's wife, María Claudia Tarazona, said in a statement. Former Presidents Álvaro Uribe and César Gaviria visited the clinic, along with Senators, city council members and other politicians, including former Senator Ingrid Betancourt. The attack took place in a park in the Fontibon neighbourhood in Bogota, when armed assailants shot him from behind, said the right-wing Democratic Center, which was the party of former president Mr Uribe. The men are not related. Images circulating on social media showed a person firing several shots at the Senator from behind, apparently hitting his head before he collapsed. The Attorney General's Office, which is investigating the shooting, said the Senator received two gunshot wounds in the attack, which also wounded two others. Their identities and conditions have not been disclosed. The office said a 15-year-old boy was arrested at the scene with a firearm. He was injured in the leg and was recovering at another clinic, authorities said. Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez added that over 100 officers are investigating who was behind the attack. Elizabeth Dickinson, a security analyst at Crisis Group, told The Associated Press that the assault on the Senator was a throwback to a time in Colombia 'when violence converted into a political tool at the highest levels.' The incident has frightened Colombians, she added, because it highlights a recurring cycle of violence 'even inside families that have been suffering its consequences for decades.' The intellectual author of the shooting, she said, 'clearly had the intention to stir up the country.' The Colombian Senate called for national unity Sunday (June 8, 2025) in a statement, emphasizing that political leaders and lawmakers face risks in a polarized nation. Mr Uribe Turbay is the political heir of his grandfather, former President Julio César Turbay who was in office from 1978-82. His mother, Diana Turbay, was a journalist who was kidnapped and killed in 1991 during a failed rescue attempt. Her death came during one of the most violent periods in the history of the South American country, then-plagued by drug cartel violence. The Senator announced his presidential bid in early March. Colombia will hold a presidential election on May 31, 2026, marking the end of President Gustavo Petro's term. Mr Petro, the country's first leftist leader, is not eligible for re-election. Outside the Fundación Santa Fe clinic, dozens of people gathered in prayer for Mr Uribe Turbay's recovery. Late on Saturday (June 7, 2025), after leading an extraordinary Security Council session, Mr Petro, Colombia's first leftist President, promised 'complete transparency' in the investigation and to find out who was behind the attack. He also promised an investigation into any failures by the Senator's bodyguards. The President cancelled a planned trip to France 'due to the seriousness of the events,' according to a presidential statement. World leaders and senior officials, including from the United States, Chile, Ecuador, and the European Union, condemned the violence and expressed support for the Colombian people and Mr Uribe Turbay's family. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on X that the 'United State condemns in the strongest possible terms the attempted assassination of Senator Miguel Uribe.' He urged Mr Petro 'to dial back the inflammatory rhetoric and protect Colombian officials.' 'This is a direct threat to democracy and the result of the violent leftist rhetoric coming from the highest levels of the Colombian government,' Mr Rubio said.
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Time of India
Colombia Presidential candidate shot in head: Miguel Uribe undergoes successful initial surgery; condition 'grave', say medics
Miguel Uribe (File photo; taken from X) A leading Colombian presidential hopeful, critically wounded and battling for survival in hospital after a young assailant shot him twice in the head, remains critical as he underwent initial surgery. Right-wing Senator Miguel Uribe, aged 39, underwent urgent surgery following Saturday's attack at a Bogota campaign rally, but medical staff indicate his condition remains critical. The Santa Fe Clinic medical team stated he continues in "the most grave condition and the prognosis is reserved", reported AFP. The shooting has deeply unsettled Colombia, where citizens thought the era of political and drug-related violence was behind them. Citizens gathered in major metropolitan areas on Sunday for candlelight vigils, prayers and to express their outrage. "Our hearts are broken, Colombia hurts," said Carolina Gomez, a 41-year-old businesswoman, whilst lighting candles outside Uribe's hospital. Supporters united in chanting "strength to you Miguel" and "the people are with you." Maria Claudia Tarazona, Uribe's spouse, expressed gratitude for the national support and requested collective prayers. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Device Made My Power Bill Drop Overnight elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Pre-Order Undo "He is fighting hard for his life," she said. The senator sustained two head wounds and one leg injury. Despite the alleged shooter's capture by security personnel, the attack's motivation remains unclear. Uribe had been outspoken against Colombia's leftist administration, active guerrilla groups and influential drug cartels. Authorities promised to utilise all available resources to investigate the motive and identify those responsible for orchestrating the attack. Officials confirmed no specific threats existed against Uribe, though he maintained security protection like other public figures. The Senator's family narrative reflects Colombia's troubled past, making this incident particularly significant. His grandfather, former president Julio Cesar Turbay, governed from 1978-1982 during guerrilla conflicts and cartel expansion. Uribe is notably the son of Diana Turbay, a renowned journalist whose death by Pablo Escobar's kidnapping devastated Colombia. Meanwhile, Colombia's Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez announced Sunday that approximately 100 investigators are examining the attack's motive. He previously announced a reward of roughly US$725,000 for crucial information about the perpetrators. Police director Carlos Fernando Triana reported the suspect, believed to be 15, was injured and receiving treatment. Two additional casualties were reported, and authorities seized a Glock-style weapon. Politicians across ideological lines have denounced the attack. President Gustavo Petro, a leftist, condemned it as "an attack not only against his person, but also against democracy, freedom of thought, and the legitimate exercise of politics in Colombia." International condemnation followed, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio describing it as "a direct threat to democracy." However, Rubio criticised Petro, suggesting "violent leftist rhetoric coming from the highest levels of the Colombian government" contributed to the attack. "President Petro needs to dial back the inflammatory rhetoric and protect Colombian officials," said the US diplomat.
