Miguel Uribe Turbay’s fate uncertain after shooting at campaign rally

Colombian presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbay remains in critical condition following a brazen shooting at a campaign rally in Bogotá, just one year before the country’s pivotal 2026 election.

Attack at Campaign Rally
Uribe Turbay, 39, a senator and leading figure in the right-wing Democratic Centre party, was shot twice—including once in the head—while addressing supporters in a public park in the Fontibón district on Saturday. The attack, captured on video, sent the crowd fleeing in panic as bystanders rushed to his aid, attempting to stem the bleeding until paramedics arrived.

Medical Status and Response
Doctors at Santa Fe Foundation hospital described Uribe’s condition as “extremely serious” and “guarded.” He underwent immediate neurosurgical and vascular procedures and remains in intensive care, showing little response to treatment as of Monday His wife, María Claudia Tarazona, has called on Colombians to pray for his recovery, emphasizing he is “fighting for his life”.

Suspect and Investigation
Authorities arrested a 15-year-old boy at the scene, recovering a firearm believed to have been used in the attack. The suspect is receiving medical care for a leg injury and has not yet been interrogated The government is offering a reward of approximately $730,000 for information leading to those responsible and is investigating possible failures in security protocols.

Political and Public Reaction
President Gustavo Petro condemned the shooting as an attack on democracy, while opposition figures accused the government of fostering division and insecurity. Demonstrators across Colombia have rallied in support of Uribe Turbay, demanding an end to political violence.

Background
Miguel Uribe Turbay is a prominent conservative senator and pre-candidate for the 2026 presidential election. He comes from a distinguished political family—his grandfather, Julio César Turbay Ayala, served as president of Colombia from 1978 to 1982, and his mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was killed in 1991 after being kidnapped by the Medellín cartel.

As the nation awaits further updates, the prognosis for Uribe Turbay remains uncertain, and the attack has intensified debate over security and democracy in Colombia.