Miguel Uribe: Colombian Senator and Presidential Candidate Shot in Bogotá

Miguel Uribe, a Colombian senator and presidential candidate, was shot at a campaign event in Bogotá, leading to one arrest. Uribe, representing the Democratic Center party, is reportedly in critical condition. His shooting marks a troubling resurgence of political violence not seen since the early 1990s.

Miguel Uribe, a Colombian senator and current presidential candidate, was shot at a campaign event in Bogotá on Saturday. Both the government and Uribe’s political party have confirmed this alarming incident, which led to the arrest of one suspect connected to the assassination attempt.

At just 39 years old, Uribe represents the right-leaning Democratic Center party, which was co-founded by former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe—despite sharing a last name, the two are not related. It’s worth noting that Uribe’s mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was tragically killed in 1991 during a rescue attempt after being kidnapped by the infamous Medellín cartel led by Pablo Escobar, as reported by Reuters.

CBS news highlighted that an assassination attempt on such a high-profile political figure has not occurred in Colombia since the violent dynamics of the Escobar era in the early 1990s. According to the details provided by Uribe’s party, he was attacked while hosting a public event in the Fontibón neighborhood, where armed individuals shot him in the back.

Reports indicate Uribe was left with severe injuries, with blood covering his head and back, and he has since been transported to a medical facility in the city as per Semana’s report. Meanwhile, Bogotá’s mayor, Carlos Galán, stated that Uribe was receiving emergency care and that the entire hospital network was prepared in case he needed transfer for further treatment.

The nature of Uribe’s injuries remains uncertain, as authorities have not provided immediate updates on his condition. However, media outlets suggest that he might be in critical condition. The mayor confirmed the arrest of a suspect related to the attack.

In response to this violent act, the presidency of Colombia issued a strong statement denouncing the attack and asserting the need for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed his condolences on X, stating, “I don’t know how to ease your pain. It is the pain of a mother lost, and of a wounded homeland.”

The shooting of Miguel Uribe underscores a troubling resurgence of political violence in Colombia. With echoes of past acts perpetrated during the reign of Pablo Escobar, this incident raises alarm bells about the safety of political figures in the country. As investigations begin and the nation awaits further updates on Uribe’s health, the call for peace and security grows louder amidst a backdrop of fear and uncertainty.

Original Source: www.livemint.com