A teenage gunman shot Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe twice in the head at a campaign rally in Bogotá on Saturday, leaving him in a critical condition and fighting for his life.
Doctors at Santa Fe Clinic confirmed on Sunday that the 39-year-old right-wing senator had undergone initial surgery to stabilise his condition. However, they described his situation as “grave” and said his prognosis remained uncertain.
The attack has stunned Colombians, who believed the era of brutal political and drug-related violence was largely behind them. Hundreds took to the streets in cities across the country on Sunday, lighting candles and praying for Uribe’s recovery.
“Our hearts are broken. Colombia is hurting,” said Carolina Gomez, a 41-year-old businesswoman, outside the hospital. Supporters gathered with chants of “Strength to you, Miguel” and “The people are with you.”
Uribe’s wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona, thanked the public for their support and urged the nation to pray. “He is fighting hard for his life,” she said. The senator was shot twice in the head and once in the leg.
Security personnel at the scene apprehended the suspected shooter, a boy believed to be around 15 years old, who was also injured and is now receiving treatment. Police recovered a Glock-style firearm and reported two additional injuries—one man and one woman.
Authorities have not yet determined a motive. Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez said a 100-strong investigative team is working on the case, and the government has offered a reward of around $725,000 for information about those behind the attack.
Uribe has been a vocal critic of the leftist government, guerrilla groups, and Colombia’s powerful drug cartels. Although no specific threats had been made against him, he had been under close personal protection, as is standard for public figures.
President Gustavo Petro condemned the shooting, calling it “an attack not only against his person, but also against democracy, freedom of thought, and the legitimate exercise of politics in Colombia.”
International leaders also expressed outrage. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the shooting as “a direct threat to democracy” but blamed Petro’s “violent leftist rhetoric” for fuelling tensions.
Uribe’s family history echoes Colombia’s turbulent past. He is the grandson of former President Julio César Turbay, and the son of renowned journalist Diana Turbay, who was kidnapped and killed by Pablo Escobar’s cartel—an event that deeply affected the nation.
Colombia now faces renewed questions about political safety, freedom, and its long struggle to emerge from a history of bloodshed.