Miguel Uribe, Colombian Senator and Presidential Candidate Shot in Bogotá

Miguel Uribe, a Colombian presidential candidate, was shot at a campaign event in Bogotá. The attack has drawn national and international concern. Uribe has a family history of violence, as his mother was murdered during a kidnapping by the Medellín cartel. He is in critical condition, and a suspect has been arrested. Colombia’s government strongly condemned the attack.

Miguel Uribe, a prominent presidential candidate in Colombia, was shot while attending a campaign event in Bogotá on Saturday, as confirmed by both the government and his political party. Authorities arrested a suspect shortly after the incident. Uribe, 39, is a senator from the opposition conservative Democratic Center party, which was founded by former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, who is not related to him.

Tragically, Uribe has a family history of violence associated with politics; his mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was killed in 1991 during a kidnapping ordeal involving the notorious Medellín cartel led by Pablo Escobar. This incident marks the first assassination attempt on a high-profile political figure in Colombia since the violent times of the early ‘90s, reflecting the ongoing concerns about political violence in the country.

Details of the attack reveal Uribe was shot in the back by unidentified armed assailants while at a public park located in the Fontibon neighborhood. Reports indicate he sustained serious injuries, with blood evident on both his head and back, necessitating immediate medical attention. He was rushed to a medical facility in critical condition.

Bogotá’s Mayor, Carlos Galán, stated that the city’s entire hospital system was mobilized to ensure Uribe received optimal care. While there have been no official updates on his condition from medical authorities, early reports suggest he remains in a critical state following the attack.

In response to the event, Colombian President Gustavo Petro issued a strong condemnation, emphasizing the need for a full investigation into the assault. “I don’t know how to ease your pain. It is the pain of a mother lost, and of a wounded homeland,” commented President Petro on social media platform X, reflecting the national concern following such violent acts against political figures. The attack has reignited discussions surrounding security in Colombia, particularly concerning politicians who may face threats while campaigning for office.

Miguel Uribe’s shooting during a campaign event in Bogotá has raised significant alarms about political violence in Colombia. His family’s tragic past and the serious nature of his injuries lend weight to concerns regarding the safety and security of public figures within the region. The swift action taken by authorities to arrest a suspect and the president’s condemnation of the incident highlight the urgency of ongoing inquiries into this disturbing trend.

Original Source: www.livemint.com