Colombian Presidential Candidate Miguel Uribe Shot Twice in the Head
- VIVA.co.id/Fajar Ramadhan
Colombia, VIVA – Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay was shot three times, including twice in the head, while campaigning in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, on Saturday (June 7), local time.
According to BBC, the 39-year-old senator is in critical condition following the attack.
“Miguel is currently fighting for his life. Let us pray that God guides the hands of the doctors treating him,” said his wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona, urging the public to pray for his recovery.
The Colombian Attorney General's Office reported that a 15-year-old suspect was arrested at the scene.
Uribe’s political party, Centro Democratico, strongly condemned the shooting, calling it a threat to democracy and freedom in Colombia.
Kandidat presiden Kolombia, Miguel Uribe
- Istimewa
Amateur video footage circulating online captured the terrifying moment Uribe was shot mid-speech, causing panic among the crowd.
According to AFP, paramedics confirmed that Uribe was shot in the knee and twice in the head before being rushed to the hospital.
Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán announced Saturday night that Uribe had undergone surgery and is now in critical recovery hours.
Local media reported that the suspect was shot in the leg by police as they pursued him after the attack.
The Attorney General’s statement revealed the suspect was carrying a Glock 9mm firearm at the time of arrest.
Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the incident as a "heinous attack", offering a reward of 3 billion pesos (approximately $730,000 USD) for any information leading to those potentially behind the shooting.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also condemned the act, calling it a "direct threat to democracy."