Colombian senator dies after campaign shooting

A right wing senator and presidential hopeful dies after a campaign shooting in Bogotá, the violence adding pressure on security at events.

Colombian senator Miguel Uribe dies after June campaign shooting

A Colombian senator and presidential hopeful, Miguel Uribe, has died after being shot in Bogotá during a June campaign rally. He was 39 and had undergone several surgeries before his family confirmed his death. Uribe’s wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona, posted a message on social media expressing grief and pledging to care for their children. Uribe came from a prominent political family and built a rapid rise in public life, serving on Bogotá’s city council at 25 before becoming a senator with the Democratic Centre party and openly criticizing the administration of leftist President Gustavo Petro. In 2022 his slate led the Democratic Centre to a Senate win under the slogan Colombia first.

His passing comes amid a long history of political violence in Colombia and near-daily debates about campaign safety. The episode underscores the risks faced by politicians and staff at public events, and it places mounting pressure on security measures as the country moves through a destabilizing period for its political class.

The event shines a harsh light on how political competition is conducted in Colombia, where personal networks and family legacies intersect with national power. Uribe’s career illustrates how opposition figures from the right wing have shaped policy debates and how political violence continues to shape voter perceptions. The death could influence party dynamics, potentially intensifying tensions between supporters and opponents of the current government. International observers may push for clearer protections at rallies, while local critics might call for a broader reckoning with violence that has long stained Colombia’s political landscape.

Beyond security, the tragedy raises questions about the durability of democratic norms in a country with a deep history of cartel violence and political murder. As investigations unfold, the case will test how quickly institutions can respond to threats against public life and how politicians adapt their campaigns to protect staff and supporters without fueling further polarization.

Highlights

The long road to healing for Uribe’s family mirrors a country still seeking safety in its political life.