A gunman shot Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay on Saturday. The attack happened in El Golfito Park in Bogotá’s Fontibón district while Uribe addressed supporters.

Uribe, a senator from the Democratic Center party, was shot in the back. According to reports, the attacker came from behind and opened fire without warning.

Chaos Followed the Shooting

Immediately after the shooting, panic broke out. Several unverified videos appeared online. These clips showed Uribe lying in a pool of blood while supporters screamed for help.

In some videos, people lifted the wounded politician and rushed him away. According to SemanaTV, Uribe suffered serious injuries to his head and back.

Authorities Responded Quickly

Soon after the incident, emergency responders took Uribe to a medical center in Bogotá. He remains in critical condition.

Meanwhile, Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán confirmed that police arrested the shooter. “Senator Miguel Uribe is receiving emergency care after being the victim of an attack this afternoon in Fontibón. The shooter has been captured,” Galán posted on X (formerly Twitter).

He added, “The entire Bogotá hospital network is on alert in case he needs to be transferred.”

Government and Party Condemn the Attack

Shortly after the incident, Uribe’s party released a statement. “Armed subjects shot him in the back,” the Democratic Center said. The party strongly condemned the attack but did not provide medical updates.

Additionally, the Colombian government released a statement. It said it “categorically and forcefully” condemned the violence and demanded a thorough investigation.

Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia wrote, “Violence can never be the way... I sincerely hope that (Uribe) is well and out of danger.”

Who Is Miguel Uribe Turbay?

Uribe is a prominent right-wing senator and lawyer. Born on January 28, 1986, in Bogotá, he represents the Democratic Center party.

According to Semana, his mother, journalist Diana Turbay, died in 1991 during a failed rescue operation after Pablo Escobar’s cartel kidnapped her.

Uribe started his political career early. From 2012 to 2015, he served as a Bogotá City Councilor. In 2014, he became the youngest president of the Council.

Currently, Uribe strongly opposes President Gustavo Petro and aligns closely with former President Álvaro Uribe Vélez.