Miguel Uribe, a right-wing Colombian senator and declared candidate in the 2026 presidential race, was gravely wounded on June 7 in a shooting authorities labeled a politically motivated attack during a campaign event in Bogotá.

Critical Condition After Headshots

Uribe, 39, was giving a speech in the west of the capital when gunshots rang out, striking him twice in the head and once in the knee. He was immediately airlifted to Santa Fe Clinic, where doctors performed emergency neurosurgery. “He is fighting for his life,” his wife María Claudia Tarazona posted on X.

The alleged shooter, identified as a minor, was wounded and subdued by Uribe’s bodyguards. Authorities also reported two additional injuries and the recovery of a handgun at the scene.

National and International Condemnation

President Gustavo Petro's government denounced the attack “categorically,” calling it an assault on free political expression. “Respecting life is the red line. Colombia must not kill its children,” Petro wrote on X.

Former President Álvaro Uribe—no relation—described the attack as an assault “on a hope for the homeland.” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio blamed “violent leftist rhetoric,” urging Petro to protect political figures. The UN office in Colombia also issued a strong condemnation.

Uribe’s Political Background

Miguel Uribe is a prominent member of the Centro Democrático party led by ex-president Álvaro Uribe. He previously served as Bogotá’s government secretary and ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2019. His family has deep roots in Colombian politics; he is the grandson of ex-president Julio César Turbay and son of journalist Diana Turbay, who was kidnapped and killed during a rescue attempt in 1991.

Investigation and Reward

Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a reward of $725,000 for information leading to the attackers. The investigation remains ongoing, with security services under pressure to clarify whether the act was politically motivated or a lone act of violence.