Miguel Uribe Turbay shot at campaign rally in Bogota

In Colombia, on a Saturday, Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay was shot during a campaign rally held in the Fontibon neighborhood of Bogota. The senator, who has announced his candidacy for the presidential election scheduled for May 31, 2026, was attacked by armed assailants who shot him from behind, resulting in critical injuries. His conservative political party, the Democratic Center, condemned the shooting as an alarming act of violence, reflecting ongoing issues related to political security in the country. The event drew immediate reactions from government officials and international leaders, signaling serious concern over the nature of political engagement in Colombia. President Gustavo Petro expressed his dismay regarding the attack and emphasized the need for valuing life as a principle. The Colombian government initiated an investigation into the incident, with law enforcement officials apprehending a minor suspected of participating in the attack, highlighting the growing urgency for political security measures. Witnesses at the rally reported a chaotic scene, where images circulated online depicting Uribe Turbay covered in blood and receiving aid. The injury sustained by Uribe, reportedly a head wound, prompted urgent medical treatment. Political discourse surrounding the event has revealed the escalating tensions and threats faced by public officials in Colombia, marking the shooting as a critical moment in the upcoming election. Former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, who is also related to Miguel Uribe Turbay, condemned the attack and called it an assault on the hope of the Colombian people. International leaders, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, voiced their condemnation of the shooting, labeling it a direct threat to democracy and emphasizing the consequences of political violence in Colombia, urging the current administration to prioritize the safety of public officials in light of this escalating violence.