The Incident
On June 7, Miguel Uribe, a 39-year-old Colombian politician and leader of the right-wing Centro Democrático party, was shot three times during a visit to Fontibón, a popular western district of Bogotá. Two bullets struck Uribe in the head, according to paramedics who treated him.
Uribe and his campaign team had gone to meet local merchants in Fontibón, where Uribe was scheduled to give a speech at a park. Standing on plastic trays to be visible above the crowd of around 250 people, Uribe spoke about various topics, including city security. It was then that a young man shot him “without reason,” according to Bogotá councilman Andrés Barrios.
The Suspected Shooter
A 15-year-old boy was apprehended as the alleged shooter. He was shot in the leg and required surgery, according to the General Prosecutor’s Office. Local media report that the teenager lives with an aunt, as his mother has passed away and his father resides outside the country.
The teenager could face up to eight years in a juvenile facility if found guilty, as he is under 18. This alternative sentencing process applies to minors and differs from adult criminal proceedings.
Colombia has a history of gangs using minors as hitmen, dating back to the violent years of the 1980s and early 1990s, when drug lord Pablo Escobar was active. In many cases, criminal organizations “coerce” minors into committing crimes due to substance abuse, according to Astrid Cáceres, director of ICBF, the state entity responsible for protecting children’s and adolescents’ rights.
The Minister of Defense’s Hypotheses
Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez presented two possible scenarios: the attack could have been a message against Centro Democrática, led by former President Álvaro Uribe (2002-2010), or an attempt to destabilize President Gustavo Petro’s government.
Miguel Uribe is a vocal critic of the left, guerrillas, and drug trafficking but never reported death threats against him, according to the prosecution.
A legally purchased semi-automatic Glock pistol, caliber 9mm, made in Austria and costing around $700, was confiscated from the alleged assailant.
The Videos
Multiple videos recorded by attendees show the moments when gunshots are heard, causing chaos in the park. One video captures the shooter pulling out his gun and firing, with Uribe speaking about mental health and touching his left temple just before he falls.
Authorities are reviewing at least 1,000 mobile phone recordings and security camera footage. A reward of approximately $725,000 has been offered for information leading to the capture of additional suspects.
Around 190 police investigators are working to clarify the events. Police Director General Carlos Fernando Triana stated that initial searches of relevant addresses have been conducted, without providing further details.
“This is a complex scenario,” Triana said, noting the large crowd present during the incident. Evidence collection is ongoing. President Petro has requested an investigation into whether Uribe’s security detail was involved, as the alleged shooter came very close to Uribe before opening fire.
Key Questions and Answers
- What happened? Miguel Uribe was shot three times, including two shots to the head, during a campaign visit in Bogotá.
- Who is the suspected shooter? A 15-year-old boy was arrested and is under investigation. He required surgery for a gunshot wound to the leg.
- Why might minors be used as hitmen in Colombia? Historically, criminal organizations have coerced minors into committing crimes due to substance abuse issues.
- What are the possible motives behind the attack? The incident could have been a message against Uribe’s political party or an attempt to destabilize President Petro’s government.
- What evidence is being analyzed? Authorities are reviewing mobile phone recordings, security camera footage, and have confiscated a Glock pistol from the alleged shooter.
- What role are Uribe’s security details playing in the investigation? President Petro has requested an inquiry into whether Uribe’s security team was involved, given the proximity of the alleged shooter before firing.
