Who is Miguel Uribe Turbay, the Colombian presidential hopeful shot at a public rally?
Colombian senator and presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbay was critically wounded during a campaign rally in Bogotá on June 7, 2025. The attack occurred in the Fontibón neighborhood, where Uribe Turbay was addressing supporters when assailants opened fire from behind.
He sustained two gunshot wounds to the head and one to the knee. A 15-year-old suspect was apprehended at the scene, armed with a Glock pistol. Two other individuals were also injured during the incident .
Who is Miguel Uribe Turbay?
Miguel Uribe Turbay, born on January 28, 1986, in Bogotá, Colombia, is a prominent figure in the nation's political landscape. At 39, he is a senator for the right-wing Centro Democrático party and a leading contender in the 2026 presidential race .
Uribe Turbay hails from a distinguished political lineage. He is the grandson of Julio César Turbay Ayala, a former president of Colombia, and the son of Diana Turbay, a journalist who was tragically murdered during a rescue operation in 1991. His mother's death, orchestrated by the Medellín Cartel, deeply influenced his worldview and commitment to public service .
A graduate in law from the University of the Andes, Uribe Turbay furthered his studies with master's degrees in Public Policy from the University of the Andes and Public Administration from Harvard University .
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His academic background laid a strong foundation for his political endeavors.
Uribe Turbay is married to María Claudia Tarazona, and they have a son named Alejandro.
Uribe Turbay's political journey began in 2012 when, at 26, he was elected as a councilor for Bogotá. He quickly gained recognition for his leadership, becoming the youngest president of the Bogotá City Council . In 2016, he was appointed Secretary of Government of Bogotá, a position he held until 2018.
In 2019, he ran for mayor of Bogotá as an independent candidate supported by various political groups but was defeated by Claudia López. Undeterred, he returned to the political arena and, in 2022, was elected to the Senate as the head of the Centro Democrático's list, receiving the highest number of votes in the country.
In March 2025, Uribe Turbay announced his candidacy for the 2026 presidential elections. He positioned himself as a staunch critic of President Gustavo Petro's policies, particularly on issues of security and economic management .
His campaign emphasizes restoring order and combating the resurgence of violence in Colombia.
As of now, Uribe Turbay, has been taken to the Santa Fe Foundation hospital for emergency neurosurgery. His wife has publicly appealed for prayers, highlighting the gravity of his condition. This incident recalls the tragic history of political violence in Colombia, notably the assassination of presidential candidate Luis Carlos Galán in 1989. The country's political landscape has long been marred by such acts, underscoring the persistent threats faced by public figures.
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