Background and Context
Miguel Uribe Turbay, a 39-year-old Colombian senator and presidential aspirant, was shot during a public event in Bogotá on Saturday. The attack left him critically injured, with two bullets in his head, and he underwent emergency surgery. Uribe Turbay is the grandson of former Colombian President Julio César Turbay (1978-1982) and the son of Diana Turbay, a journalist kidnapped and murdered by drug lord Pablo Escobar.
The Incident
During a gathering organized by his political party, the conservative Centro Democrático, in Bogotá’s Fontibón park, Uribe Turbay was ambushed by an assailant who fired three shots, two of which struck the senator in the head. He was immediately taken to a nearby clinic, where he underwent surgery.
Current Condition
As of Sunday, June 8th, Uribe Turbay remains in the intensive care unit following his first surgery. His condition is described as “maximum gravity,” with a reserved prognosis, according to the clinic’s statement.
Suspect and Investigation
A 15-year-old boy was apprehended as a suspect following the shooting, carrying a 9mm Glock pistol. However, the masterminds behind the attack remain unknown. There were no publicly known threats against Uribe Turbay, a vocal critic of Colombia’s left-wing movements and drug traffickers operating within the country.
Presidential Response and International Reactions
Colombian President Gustavo Petro called for a thorough investigation, emphasizing that “all hypotheses are open,” starting with Uribe Turbay’s security detail.
International Condemnation
Several international organizations, including the United Nations, and regional and European countries condemned the assassination attempt. The U.S. Department of State, Colombia’s ally in the fight against drug trafficking, attributed the attack to “violent leftist rhetoric” and urged Petro to moderate his “incendiary discourse.”
Countries such as Brazil, Spain, Italy, Paraguay, and Uruguay joined in condemning the attack, along with both Colombia’s government and opposition. Mexico was notably absent from the list of condemnations.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Miguel Uribe Turbay? A 39-year-old Colombian senator and presidential aspirant, grandson of former President Julio César Turbay and son of journalist Diana Turbay, who was kidnapped and murdered by drug lord Pablo Escobar.
- What happened during the public event? Uribe Turbay was shot by an assailant who fired three bullets, two of which struck the senator in the head during a gathering organized by his political party, Centro Democrático.
- What is Uribe Turbay’s current condition? He remains in critical condition following emergency surgery, with a reserved prognosis.
- Who is the suspect in the shooting? A 15-year-old boy was arrested as a suspect, carrying a 9mm Glock pistol.
- What reactions have there been from the international community? Various international organizations and countries, including the U.S., UN member states, Brazil, Spain, Italy, Paraguay, and Uruguay, condemned the attack. The U.S. Department of State criticized leftist rhetoric and called for Petro to moderate his discourse.
