14-year-old boy attempts assassination of Colombian senator
- A 14-year-old boy shot Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay at a campaign event in Bogotá, leaving the senator in critical condition.
- The shooter, who was part of the government's 'Youth in Peace' program, was apprehended by the crowd and later investigated for deeper involvement in a possible conspiracy.
- This assassination attempt on a political figure has ignited debates about youth violence and the effectiveness of governmental programs in Colombia.
In Bogotá, Colombia, a 14-year-old boy shot Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay three times during a campaign event on Saturday. The senator, a figure from the Democratic Center party and a critic of the current government led by President Gustavo Petro, was injured in the head and neck, sustaining critical wounds. Following the attack, the boy was apprehended by the crowd while allegedly claiming to have acted for financial reasons related to his family. The minor had no prior criminal history and engaged in a government youth program aimed at reducing violence, which raised questions about the efficacy of such initiatives. As police and authorities conducted investigations, officers seized a large amount of security camera footage and contacted several family members of the child, suspecting that he may not have acted alone. Investigators believe there could be deeper involvement from other individuals in the assassination plot and are looking into whether the boy was part of a larger conspiracy. Despite being only 14, the boy faces serious charges, including attempted homicide and carrying an illegal weapon, though Colombian law governs that he could only face a maximum of eight years in a juvenile facility. Senator Uribe Turbay, who had launched his presidential campaign in October 2023, had been vocal about security concerns in Colombia and criticized Petro for his approach to governance. Following the attack, medical updates indicated Uribe remained in critical condition, having responded poorly to emergency surgery. His condition has led to widespread public concern, resulting in organized prayer and support rallies for his recovery. President Gustavo Petro acknowledged the boy's troubled background and involvement in his administration’s 'Youth in Peace' program, initiated to provide support to at-risk youth. However, this incident has prompted scrutiny into the success of such programs, especially following reports of ongoing violence and instability in Colombia.