Miguel Uribe, Colombian presidential candidate, dies after two months of fighting against assassination attempt Por Bruna
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On August 11, 2025, Colombia woke to the tragic news of the death of Senator and presidential pre-candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay, aged 39, victim of a shooting attack on June 7 in the Modelia neighborhood of Bogotá. Shot in the head and leg while giving a speech at a campaign event, Uribe remained in critical condition for over two months at the Fundación Santa Fe, where he succumbed to complications from a brain hemorrhage. The attack, carried out by a 15-year-old, reignited debates about political violence in the country, recalling dark episodes from the 1980s and 1990s. The death of the senator, a prominent figure in the Centro Democrático party, caused national and international outrage, with calls for justice and condemnations of violence.
Uribe’s career, marked by a meteoric rise in Colombian politics, was brutally cut short, raising questions about the safety of political leaders and the impact on the nation’s democracy. He leaves behind his wife, María Claudia Tarazona, a four-year-old son, and three stepdaughters, as well as a legacy of fighting violence and defending democratic institutions.
The attack occurred amid growing political polarization ahead of the 2026 presidential elections. While speaking on mental health, Uribe was caught off guard by close-range gunfire. The swift response from authorities led to the arrest of the shooter and five other suspects, but the investigation has yet to fully clarify the motives behind the crime.
- Key facts of the case:
- Attack occurred on June 7, 2025, in Modelia, Bogotá.
- Uribe was shot twice in the head and once in the leg.
- A 15-year-old minor was detained as the main shooter.
- Five adults are under investigation for planning and cover-up.
Details of the Bogotá attack
The attack on Miguel Uribe Turbay took place at 5:23 p.m. on June 7 at El Golfito Park in the Modelia neighborhood of Fontibón, Bogotá. While addressing a crowd at a pre-campaign event, a 15-year-old, blending in with the audience, fired three shots at the senator. Two bullets struck his head and one his left leg, causing severe injuries requiring immediate neurosurgery. The attacker was apprehended minutes later with a firearm and confessed to acting “for money” and “for family,” according to videos circulating on social media.
Authorities responded swiftly. The minor was taken to Clínica Colombia for treatment of a leg injury, and five adults were arrested, including Elder José Arteaga Hernández, alias “El Costeño,” suspected of coordinating the attack. Colombia’s Attorney General’s Office is leading the investigation, which has yet to determine whether the crime was politically motivated or linked to criminal groups.
The brutality of the attack shocked the nation. Footage shows Uribe collapsing on the makeshift stage, covered in blood, as supporters rushed to his aid. An ambulance arrived promptly, and he was taken to Clínica Medicentro before being transferred to Fundación Santa Fe, where he underwent multiple surgeries.
- Elements of the attack:
- Location: El Golfito Park, Modelia, Fontibón.
- Weapon: 9mm pistol used by a 15-year-old.
- Context: Campaign event with supporters and mixed security.
- Immediate response: Shooter captured, red alert activated in hospitals.
Miguel Uribe’s political trajectory
Miguel Uribe Turbay was born on January 28, 1986, in Bogotá, into a family with a strong political legacy. Grandson of former President Julio César Turbay Ayala (1978-1982) and son of journalist Diana Turbay, killed in 1991 by the Medellín Cartel, Uribe grew up amidst tragedy and responsibility. A law graduate from Universidad de Los Andes with a master’s in Public Policy from Harvard, he entered politics at 25, elected as a Bogotá councilor for the Liberal Party in 2012.
From 2016 to 2018, Uribe served as Secretary of Government under Enrique Peñalosa’s administration, gaining recognition for his tough stance on crime and advocacy for public safety policies. In 2022, he became Colombia’s most-voted senator for the Centro Democrático, the opposition party led by former President Álvaro Uribe Vélez. His 2026 presidential pre-candidacy positioned him as a key critic of President Gustavo Petro’s “total peace” policy and public security measures.
- Career milestones:
- 2012-2015: Bogotá councilor for the Liberal Party.
- 2016-2018: Secretary of Government under Peñalosa.
- 2022: Most-voted senator for Centro Democrático.
- 2025: Presidential pre-candidate for 2026 elections.
Reactions to Uribe’s death
The death of Miguel Uribe Turbay sparked widespread grief across Colombia. Former President Álvaro Uribe Vélez shared an emotional message: “Evil destroys everything, they killed hope. May Miguel’s fight be a light guiding Colombia’s path.” Senator María Fernanda Cabal also mourned: “Colombia loses an upright man with the capacity to build a better country.”
President Gustavo Petro condemned the attack immediately after it occurred, ordering investigations and calling it a blow to democracy. The Colombian government labeled the act “unacceptable” and offered a reward of up to 3 billion pesos for information leading to those responsible. Internationally, Brazil’s Foreign Ministry expressed solidarity, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio strongly condemned the attack.
Thousands of Colombians took to the streets on June 15 in cities like Bogotá and Cartagena to protest political violence. Vigils and prayer chains marked the days following the attack, with supporters gathering outside Fundación Santa Fe.
- Notable statements:
- Álvaro Uribe Vélez: “They killed hope.”
- María Fernanda Cabal: “Colombia loses an upright man.”
- Colombian government: “An attack on democracy and freedom of thought.”
- Brazil’s Foreign Ministry: “Brazil strongly condemns the attack.”
The fight for life at Fundación Santa Fe
After the attack, Miguel Uribe was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at Fundación Santa Fe, where he underwent multiple neurosurgeries. The first procedure, performed on the night of June 7, aimed to stabilize brain damage caused by the gunshots. In the following days, doctors reported slight improvements, with reduced brain swelling and stable hemodynamics, offering hope to family and supporters.
However, his condition remained critical. On August 9, Uribe suffered an intracranial hemorrhage requiring emergency surgery. Despite the efforts of the team led by renowned neurosurgeon Fernando Hakim, the senator did not survive the complications. Fundación Santa Fe reported that, in the final 48 hours, his condition worsened due to persistent brain swelling, leading to his death in the early hours of August 11.
- Medical procedures:
- June 7: Emergency neurosurgery to address brain damage.
- July: Tracheostomy and gastrostomy for prolonged support.
- August 9: Emergency surgery for intracranial hemorrhage.
- August 11: Death confirmed due to neurological complications.
Impact on Colombian politics
Uribe Turbay’s death reignited fears of a new wave of political violence in Colombia, a country scarred by the assassinations of leaders like Luis Carlos Galán (1989), Bernardo Jaramillo Ossa (1990), and Carlos Pizarro Leongómez (1990). The attack on Uribe, coupled with the escape of a minor involved in the case from a Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (ICBF) protection center, sparked criticism of public figure security and investigation effectiveness.
With the 2026 elections approaching, political polarization intensified. The Centro Democrático accused the Petro government of negligence in protecting opposition figures, while the president countered that Uribe’s security was “strangely” reduced on the day of the attack. Colombian society, in mourning, calls for unity against the violence threatening democracy.
- Historical cases of political violence:
- 1989: Assassination of presidential candidate Luis Carlos Galán.
- 1990: Assassinations of Bernardo Jaramillo Ossa and Carlos Pizarro Leongómez.
- 1990s: Attempts on Álvaro Uribe Vélez’s life.
- 2025: Attack on Miguel Uribe Turbay.
Ongoing investigation
Colombia’s Attorney General’s Office continues to investigate the attack, with six individuals detained, including the 15-year-old shooter. A second minor, aged 17, involved in planning the attack, escaped from an ICBF protection center in July, fueling criticism of the protection system. While a political motive has not been ruled out, connections to criminal groups are also under consideration.
The arrest of Elder José Arteaga Hernández, alias “El Costeño,” suspected of coordinating the crime, is seen as progress, but the lack of clarity about the masterminds keeps the調查 open. The Colombian government pledged to intensify efforts to clarify the case and prevent further violence.
- Current investigation status:
- Six detained, including the 15-year-old shooter.
- Elder José Arteaga Hernández, “El Costeño,” suspected of coordination.
- 17-year-old minor fugitive after escaping protection center.
- Reward of 3 billion pesos for information.
