Senator Miguel Uribe Shot in Bogotá During Campaign Event

Miguel Uribe, a Colombian presidential candidate, was shot at a campaign event in Bogotá. His party confirmed the incident and a suspect has been arrested. Uribe’s personal background ties him to a legacy of political violence. Efforts are in motion for his recovery, with government leaders expressing solidarity and condemning the attack.

Miguel Uribe, a Colombian presidential candidate, was shot during an event in Bogotá on Saturday, drawing national attention and condemnation. Both his party, the right-wing Democratic Center, and the government have confirmed that an attack occurred, leading to the arrest of a suspect connected to this violent act. Uribe, at 39 years of age, has a significant political background but was embroiled in unsettling circumstances after he was targeted while hosting a campaign event.

Miguel Uribe, affiliated with the opposition party founded by former President Álvaro Uribe, has personal ties to political violence; his mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was killed in the 1990s while held captive by a cartel linked to Pablo Escobar. The gravity of an assassination attempt on such a high-profile candidate harkens back to troubling times in Colombian history, with CBS noting the last similar incident occurred during the height of Escobar’s reign.

Eyewitnesses reported that the attack happened in a public park in the Fontibón area. In a shocking turn of events, Uribe was shot in the back and had injuries that left him bleeding from his head and back. Emergency services rushed him to a nearby medical center where he was classified as critical following the assault.

Carlos Galan, the Mayor of Bogotá, remarked that all local hospitals had been placed on alert in case Uribe required further treatment. Though officials have not publicly confirmed his current status, reports have surfaced indicating that he is fighting for his life.

The rapid response from law enforcement led to the arrest of a suspect believed to be involved in the attack, confirming that authorities acted swiftly to handle the situation. The national government has denounced the violent act, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive investigation.

Expressing solidarity with Uribe, Colombian President Gustavo Petro shared on X, “I don’t know how to ease your pain. It is the pain of a mother lost, and of a wounded homeland.” The shocking nature of this incident has reignited discussions around security and violence in Colombian politics, echoing fears reminiscent of eras defined by terror.

In summary, Miguel Uribe, a prominent Colombian senator and presidential candidate, was shot during a campaign event in Bogotá, leaving him in critical condition. The violence prompted swift arrests and widespread condemnation from political leaders, including President Gustavo Petro. As Colombia reflects on its violent past, this attack raises pressing concerns about the safety of public figures within the political landscape.

Original Source: www.livemint.com