Bogotá, Colombia – 11 August ,2025
Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay has died at the age of 39, succumbing to injuries sustained in a shooting at a campaign rally two months ago. The news of his death has sent shockwaves through the country, with many expressing concern that it signals a return to the political violence that plagued Colombia in past decades.
Uribe Turbay, a prominent figure in the conservative Democratic Center party and a pre-candidate for the 2026 presidential election, was shot on June 7 while addressing supporters in a park in Bogotá’s Modelia neighborhood. According to reports, he was shot three times, twice in the head, and had been in critical condition in a local hospital since the attack. His wife, María Claudia Tarazona, confirmed his passing in a heartbreaking social media post, writing, “Rest in peace, love of my life. I will take care of our children.”
The attack, which was captured on video, was a stark reminder of a darker era in Colombian history, particularly the 1980s and 1990s when drug cartels and armed groups routinely targeted political figures. Uribe Turbay’s own family had a tragic connection to this period; his mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was killed in 1991 during a botched rescue attempt after being kidnapped by the notorious Medellín cartel under Pablo Escobar.
Authorities have arrested a teenage suspect in connection with the shooting, and several other individuals have been detained on suspicion of providing logistical support. While a motive for the attack has not been officially established, President Gustavo Petro’s administration has hinted at an international crime ring’s involvement. Critics, however, have pointed to the government’s perceived failure to address growing security concerns and have claimed that Uribe Turbay’s security detail was inadequate despite repeated requests for reinforcement.
Uribe Turbay had been a vocal critic of President Petro’s “total peace” policy, which aims to negotiate with various illegal armed groups. His death has sparked outrage and a renewed national debate about the safety of politicians and the overall state of security in Colombia. Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum, with many, including former President Álvaro Uribe (who is not related), calling him “a hope for the homeland” and demanding justice. The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, also expressed condolences and called on the Colombian government to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
