Colombian Presidential Hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbay Dies After Rally Shooting
Miguel Uribe Turbay, a 39-year-old Colombian senator and presidential hopeful, has died after a two-month battle with injuries from a shooting at a campaign rally. His death has sent shockwaves across Colombia, reviving painful memories of the country's history of political violence.
Here are the key details of the tragic incident and its aftermath:
The Attack: On June 7, 2025, Uribe Turbay was shot three times—twice in the head and once in the leg—while delivering a campaign speech in a park in Bogotá. He was immediately hospitalized in critical condition, undergoing multiple surgeries before succumbing to a cerebral hemorrhage on August 11, 2025.
Political Context: Uribe Turbay was a member of the conservative Democratic Center party and a prominent critic of the current administration under President Gustavo Petro. He had declared his intention to run in the 2026 presidential election. After the assassination attempt, he had gained significant public support, making him a front-runner among the early candidates in some polls.
The Investigation: A teenage suspect was arrested at the scene of the shooting. Authorities have since arrested and charged several other individuals, including a man accused of masterminding the attack. The motive for the assassination remains under investigation. The gun used was reportedly a 9mm Glock-style pistol legally purchased in the US, and authorities are investigating how it was brought into Colombia.
Historical Echoes: This assassination is particularly poignant for Colombians, as it recalls a dark era when drug cartels and armed groups frequently assassinated public figures. The victim's own mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was kidnapped and killed by the MedellÃn cartel in 1991. The incident has been widely condemned by both domestic and international figures, including the UN's Human Rights chief.
Political Fallout: Uribe Turbay's death is expected to have a significant impact on the upcoming presidential election. Political analysts believe it could further polarize the country's political landscape and potentially strengthen the appeal of more hardline right-wing groups.
