Colombia Presidential Hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbay Dies After Campaign Rally Shooting

Tone & Political Bias: Moderately Right-Leaning

Why: The article includes U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s statement blaming “violent leftist rhetoric” from Colombia’s government, which frames the attack in a way aligned with conservative political narratives.

Death Confirmed

Colombian conservative senator and 2026 presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay died Monday, more than two months after being shot during a campaign rally in western Bogotá. He was 39.

His wife, María Claudia Tarazona, confirmed his death early Monday in a social media post, thanking him for their life together and for being “the best dad” to their children.

The Shooting

Uribe Turbay was critically injured on June 7 while addressing supporters in the Colombian capital. He was shot in the head and leg and underwent emergency surgery.

Doctors placed him in intensive care, where he remained until his death. The attack occurred in front of dozens of attendees at the event.

Suspects and Arrests

Police arrested a teenage suspect at the scene shortly after the shooting. Authorities later detained multiple individuals linked to the case, including Elder José Arteaga Hernández — known by the aliases “Chipi” and “Costeño” — whom investigators describe as the suspected mastermind.

The motive for the attack is still under investigation.

Political Profile

Uribe Turbay, a prominent conservative voice in Colombia, announced his presidential candidacy in October 2024 for the 2026 election. From his Senate seat, he was a vocal critic of President Gustavo Petro’s administration.

He was the son of a journalist abducted and killed in 1991, during one of Colombia’s most violent periods marked by political assassinations carried out by drug cartels and insurgent groups.

International Reaction

The assassination attempt drew condemnation from international officials. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio said the United States “condemns in the strongest possible terms the attempted assassination” and called the attack “a direct threat to democracy.” Rubio linked the shooting to “violent leftist rhetoric” from Colombia’s leadership, framing it as part of a broader climate of political hostility.

History of Political Violence in Colombia

The killing of Uribe Turbay has renewed concerns over the safety of political candidates in Colombia. The country has a long history of attacks on political figures, particularly during the late 20th century when criminal organizations and armed groups targeted elected officials and journalists.

Recent years have seen a decline in large-scale political assassinations, but targeted attacks on candidates, activists, and public officials remain a threat.

Ongoing Investigation

Colombian authorities continue to gather evidence on the planning and execution of the attack. Investigators are examining potential political or criminal motives and whether it was part of a larger network of organized violence. The government has not released new findings on the case since the arrest of Arteaga Hernández last month.