Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay shot in head at campaign rally

Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay was shot twice in the head during a rally in Bogota on Saturday, June, 2025.

Uribe, 39, was addressing a small crowd in a city park when a gunman opened fire, striking him three times.

Two of the bullets hit his head, and one struck his knee, leaving him in critical condition.

Shocking video footage showed the moment the shots rang out, prompting panic as supporters fled the scene.

Paramedics responded swiftly and airlifted Uribe to the Sante Fe clinic in Bogota.

Doctors are battling to save his life, while crowds of supporters have gathered outside the clinic for a vigil.

His wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona, pleaded for national prayers.

“Miguel is fighting for his life,” she said tearfully. “Let us ask God to guide the doctors’ hands.”

Local media reported that a 15-year-old male suspect was arrested at the scene by police.

Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive for the brazen daylight attack.

Uribe is a prominent figure in the conservative Centro Democratico party, which condemned the shooting in strong terms.

“This is not just an attack on Miguel. It is an attack on democracy and freedom in Colombia,” the party stated.

Colombia’s leftist President Gustavo Petro echoed the sentiment, calling the shooting “an act of violence not only against his person, but also against democracy.”

Petro said the government will launch a full investigation to determine if political motives were involved.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also reacted, describing the shooting as “a direct threat to democracy.”

Security around political candidates has now been tightened across Colombia.

This shocking incident has raised fears about electoral violence ahead of Colombia’s 2026 presidential election.

Uribe has long been a rising star among conservatives and had positioned himself as a law-and-order candidate.

His campaign had focused heavily on fighting crime, corruption, and expanding economic opportunities.

Political observers warn this attack could deepen Colombia’s already fragile political climate.

Human rights groups are demanding protection for all political figures, regardless of affiliation.

The Sante Fe clinic released a short statement confirming Uribe remains in critical condition and under intensive care.

Doctors say the next 48 hours are crucial to determining the outcome of his injuries.

Colombians across the political spectrum have expressed horror and concern over the shooting.

Candlelight vigils have begun across Bogota and Medellín in solidarity with the wounded candidate.

The shooter, reportedly a teenager, is now in police custody and being questioned by intelligence officials.

Authorities are investigating possible ties to extremist groups or political conspiracies.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

As the nation awaits updates on Uribe’s condition, Colombia faces an urgent reckoning with political violence.

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