Colombia Faces Shock as Uribe Dies After Attack

Opposition politician Miguel Uribe dies two months after being shot at a campaign event, underscoring security fears ahead of Colombia’s elections.

Colombia Faces Shock as Uribe Dies After Attack

Uribe, a conservative senator and presidential hopeful, died in a Bogotá hospital two months after a gunman opened fire at a rally. He passed away at Santa Fe hospital at 1:56 am local time, with his family announcing the death on social media. Police say a 15-year-old was detained at the scene and five others have been arrested in connection with what prosecutors describe as a conspiracy.

Uribe was a longtime critic of President Gustavo Petro and was seeking the Centro Democrático party’s nomination to run in next year’s presidential race. His death has intensified concerns that the country’s political contest could be marred by violence similar to Colombia’s troubled past, even as authorities say they are pursuing those responsible.

The killing taps into long standing fears about political violence in Colombia, reminding voters that security is still a decisive issue even as the country tries to move on from decades of conflict. The episode tests the administration’s strategy on crime and the meaning of political competition in a climate where rhetoric and real-world harm seem closely linked.

Observers will watch how authorities handle the investigation and how candidates adjust their campaigns in the wake of Uribe’s death. International reactions, including terse condemnations and calls for accountability, will shape Colombia’s image abroad as a place where democracy can endure despite sharp partisan divides and lingering violence.

Highlights

Colombia faces a moment that will test its resolve to protect political contest from violence.