Colombian Senator Dies After Targeted Shooting

Senator Miguel Uribe dies two months after a June shooting at a Bogotá rally, highlighting concerns about political violence in Colombia.

Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Dies After Targeted Shooting

Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe died two months after a head wound from a shooting at a campaign rally in Bogotá on 7 June. The 39 year old was struck by three bullets, two in the head and one in the leg, and was treated at the Santa Fe clinic before his death. His wife posted the news on social media and described him as the love of my life and the best father to their children. A 15 year old suspect has been arrested on suspicion of carrying out the attack and charged with attempted murder; the motive behind the attack remains unclear.

Uribe had been a senator since 2022 and was seeking his party nomination for the 2026 presidential election. Thousands joined vigils and silent marches across the country in support. The hospital statement noted that Uribe suffered a bleed to the central nervous system and would undergo surgery, with several others detained on suspicion of aiding the gunman.

The death exposes how violence still shapes politics in Colombia. It underscores the need for stronger security at public political events and for clear investigations that build public trust, not fear.

The incident could influence the 2026 election by heightening anxiety among voters and complicating campaign outreach. It also raises questions about the role of youth in such crimes and how authorities respond while maintaining fair political participation. As Colombia grieves, the challenge is to safeguard democratic life without normalizing violence on the campaign trail.

Highlights

The country now faces a test of resilience and public trust.