Miguel Uribe, Colombian Senator and Presidential Candidate, Shot in Bogotá

Miguel Uribe, a Colombian senator and presidential candidate, was shot at a campaign event in Bogotá. The incident, reminiscent of past political violence in Colombia, led to the arrest of a suspect. Uribe’s condition remains critical, raising concerns about safety for politicians in the country.

Miguel Uribe, a Colombian senator and presidential candidate, was shot during an event in Bogotá on Saturday. His party and the government have confirmed the news, stating that law enforcement has arrested a suspect linked to this shocking assassination attempt. This type of violence against a political figure is particularly rare in Colombia, reminiscent of incidents that occurred during the reign of notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar in the early 1990s.

Uribe, aged 39, represents the conservative Democratic Center party, which was founded by former President Alvaro Uribe—no relation. His mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was tragically killed in 1991 during a failed rescue attempt after being kidnapped by Escobar’s Medellín cartel, according to reports from Reuters. This legacy of violence seemingly haunts Colombian politics, making today’s attack even more alarming.

During the incident in Bogotá’s Fontibón neighborhood, armed individuals reportedly shot Uribe in the back while he was campaigning in a public park. Uribe suffered significant injuries, with blood covering his head and back, and he was quickly taken to a medical facility for urgent care, as reported by Semana. Carlos Galan, the mayor of Bogotá, stated that all hospitals in the region were prepared to assist Uribe should he require transfer.

Authorities have not officially updated the public regarding Uribe’s condition yet, but early media reports suggest he is in critical shape. A suspect has been taken into custody regarding the incident, and the Bogotá mayor confirmed the arrest, indicating prompt police action.

In response to the attack, Colombia’s government strongly denounced the violence, calling for a thorough investigation. President Gustavo Petro shared his thoughts on social media, posting, “I don’t know how to ease your pain. It is the pain of a mother lost, and of a wounded homeland.” This shows the profound impact not only on the victim’s family but also on the political landscape in Colombia.

Miguel Uribe’s shooting marks a troubling return to political violence in Colombia, a stark reminder of the country’s tumultuous past. With the government condemning the attack and ensuring a thorough investigation, the focus now lies on Uribe’s recovery and the implications this incident has for the safety of political figures in the nation. The arrest of a suspect demonstrates a prompt response from law enforcement, but it raises larger questions about security in a deeply polarized political environment.

Original Source: www.livemint.com