Deaths in 2025: Miguel Uribe Turbay, senator shot at a political event, dies after complications in Bogotá

Colombian senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, aged 39, died in the early hours of August 11, 2025, at Fundação Santa Fé, in Bogotá. Ele had been the victim of a shooting attack on June 7, during a campaign event in the Modelia neighborhood, in the west of the capital.

Uribe Turbay received impacts to the head and leg, and has remained hospitalized in critical condition since then. Death occurred at 1:56am local time on Bogotá due to complications arising from injuries sustained in the attack.

The pre-candidate was affiliated with Centro Democrático, a party opposing the government of Gustavo Petro, and was among the names listed for the 2026 presidential elections.

Details of the attack

The attack happened while Uribe Turbay was speaking in a public park to around 250 people. A 15-year-old teenager approached and shot several times, hitting the senator twice in the head and once in the leg.

Authorities detained the minor at the scene, after being chased by security guards. Ele carried a 9mm Glock pistol and was sentenced to seven years in a juvenile detention center for homicide and illegal possession of a weapon.

The investigation identified at least six people involved, including possible masterminds. Outras arrests took place, but the exact reasons for the crime are still being investigated by the Procuradoria-General.

Political and family trajectory

Miguel Uribe Turbay was elected senator in 2022 with the highest individual vote in the country. Ele defended conservative positions, criticized the current government’s peace policy and promoted issues such as security and mental health.

Your family has a long political tradition in Colômbia. Uribe Turbay was the grandson of former president Julio César Turbay Ayala, who governed from 1978 to 1982, and the son of journalist Diana Turbay, kidnapped and murdered in 1991 on the orders of

• Family left wife and young son.
• Trajectory was marked by rapid rise in Centro Democrático.
• He positioned himself as a voice opposing drug trafficking and armed groups.

These personal elements reinforced his narrative of combating violence in public speeches.

Immediate reactions to death

Uribe Turbay’s wife, María Claudia Tarazona, announced his death on social media with a farewell message. Líderes politicians from different spectrums expressed condolences and repudiation of the act.

Former president Álvaro Uribe Vélez lamented the loss, stating that the attack destroyed hope for the country. Autoridades internationals, including representatives of the Estados Unidos, demanded full justice in the case.

The hospital issued a bulletin confirming that the medical team worked tirelessly, but did not prevent the outcome. Manifestações of support occurred during hospitalization, with vigils in front of the health unit.

Context of political violence

The attack against Uribe Turbay was part of a series of incidents that raised concerns about security in the pre-election period. Nos previous months, records indicated an increase in actions against public figures in different regions.

Historically, Colômbia has recorded assassinations of presidential candidates in the 1980s and 1990s, including Luis Carlos Galán, Bernardo Jaramillo Ossa, and Carlos Pizarro Leongómez. Esses episodes were associated with drug cartels and armed groups.

• In 2025, almost 1 million people will be affected by armed violence in the first few months, according to UN data.
• Attacks included the use of explosives in urban areas.
• Debates about security policies intensified in Congresso.
• Silent marches took place in cities such as Bogotá and Cartagena calling for rejection of violence.

Authorities stepped up investigations to clarify possible connections with criminal organizations.

Hospitalization and clinical evolution

Uribe Turbay immediately transferred to care after the initial attack. Ele underwent multiple neurosurgical surgeries to control hemorrhages and cerebral edema.

In recent days, the condition worsened and regressed to critical condition on August 9th. Boletins doctors reported hemorrhaging in the central nervous system, requiring emergency interventions.

Fundação Santa Fé maintained regular updates on the patient, highlighting stabilization efforts. Apesar of the measures, persistent complications led to death.

Investigation underway

Procuradoria-General conducted operations that resulted in additional captures related to the planning of the attack. Testemunhas and ballistic evidence helped to reconstruct the facts.

The Colombian government condemned the act from the beginning, classifying it as a threat to democracy. Pedidos of international cooperation emerged to deepen investigations.

The case remains partially confidential due to the participation of a minor. Julgamentos proceed to determine full responsibilities.

The death of Miguel Uribe Turbay ends a tragic chapter that began in June, leaving a legacy of debates about the protection of political leaders in Colômbia. The family received messages of solidarity from different sectors of Colombian society.