In a shocking attack that has sent ripples through Colombia’s political sphere, Senator and presidential candidate Miguel Uribe was gravely wounded during a campaign event in western Bogotá on Saturday.

The right-wing Democratic Center party member was shot twice in the head and once in the knee by a lone gunman, leaving him in critical condition.

The incident occurred as Uribe, 39, addressed supporters. A 15-year-old male, identified as the shooter, opened fire before being subdued by a security guard. The suspect, injured during his arrest, is under medical care. Two bystanders, a man and a woman, were also injured. Authorities recovered a Glock-style handgun at the scene.

Uribe was airlifted to Santa Fe Clinic, where he remains in intensive care. Graphic footage showed the bloodied senator collapsing near a white vehicle as aides and supporters scrambled to assist.

Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez labeled the attack “a threat to democratic stability,” vowing to deploy military, police, and intelligence resources to uncover those responsible. A 3 billion peso ($725,000 USD) reward is offered for information leading to the culprits.

President Gustavo Petro, who recently disclosed assassination plots against himself, condemned the attack as an assault on democracy. In a statement, his office said, “This act of violence is an attack not only against his person, but also against democracy, freedom of thought, and the legitimate exercise of politics in Colombia.” Petro is set to address the nation tonight.

Uribe, a vocal critic of Petro’s administration, announced his 2026 presidential candidacy in October 2024. A prominent figure in the Democratic Center party, led by former President Álvaro Uribe, he is seen as a conservative standard-bearer. Party officials described the attack as targeted, noting the shots came “from behind.” Álvaro Uribe called it an attack on “a hope for the country.”

Miguel Uribe’s political lineage is notable. His mother, Diana Turbay, was killed in the 1990s by Pablo Escobar’s Medellín Cartel, and his grandfather, Julio César Turbay, was president from 1978 to 1982. Uribe has served as a senator since 2022, following roles as Bogotá’s government secretary and city councilor.

The attack has heightened concerns about political violence as Colombia approaches the 2026 elections. It has prompted urgent calls for stronger security for political figures and reignited debates over the nation’s volatile electoral climate.

As investigations continue, the nation awaits updates on Uribe’s condition and clarity on the motives behind this brazen assassination attempt. (ILKHA)