Miguel Uribe, a 39-year-old senator and presidential hopeful for the May 2026 elections in Colombia, was critically injured after being shot in the head on June 7, 2025, during a campaign event in Bogotá.

The incident has been classified by the government as an assassination attempt.

Footage shared on social media captured the moment when gunfire erupted as Uribe delivered a speech at a public gathering in the western part of the capital.

Emergency responders reported that he sustained two gunshot wounds to the head and one to the knee, necessitating urgent medical attention.

He was airlifted to the Health Center of the capital, where he is currently undergoing neurosurgery and remains in a critical condition.

Uribe's wife stated via a social media post that he is "fighting for his life right now."

According to police reports, the alleged shooter is a minor who opened fire around 5:30 PM local time (22:30 GMT).

He was apprehended by Uribe's security team after sustaining injuries to his leg during the incident.

In addition, two civilians, one male and one female, were also reported injured, and a firearm was recovered at the scene.

The motives behind the attack are yet to be determined, and the Ministry of Defense has stated that security services are working diligently to investigate the incident.

Miguel Uribe is a member of the Democratic Center party, the predominant right-wing political party in Colombia, which was founded by former President Álvaro Uribe, who served from 2002 to 2010. Álvaro Uribe described the attack as targeting "a hope for the homeland," making it clear that there is no familial relationship between them.

The leftist government of President Gustavo Petro condemned the act of violence, declaring: "This act is an attack not only on the physical integrity of the senator but also on democracy, freedom of thought, and the legitimate exercise of politics in Colombia." President Petro emphasized the importance of respecting life, stating, "Colombia must not kill its children."

Miguel Uribe announced his presidential aspirations in October 2023, seeking to succeed President Petro, whom he has repeatedly criticized.

As the official campaign for the election set for May 2026 has not yet commenced, several candidates have already begun to promote their declared candidacies.

In response to the attack, Minister of Defense Pedro Sanchez condemned the act and announced a reward of approximately $725,000 for any information leading to the capture of those responsible.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the attack, attributing it to the "violent rhetoric of the left," and called on President Petro to "moderate" his language and "protect public representatives in Colombia."

The United Nations office in Colombia has firmly condemned the attack, expressing confidence that Colombian authorities would clarify the facts and hold accountable those involved.

Support for Miguel Uribe's family has also come from regional leaders, including Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa and opposition leader María Corina Machado from Venezuela, who expressed their solidarity through social media.

Miguel Uribe is the grandson of Julio Cesar Turbay, who served as president from 1978 to 1982, and the son of journalist Diana Turbay, who was kidnapped by drug lord Pablo Escobar and killed during a military rescue operation in 1991. Since taking office as a senator in 2022, Uribe has also served as Secretary of Government of Bogotá and previously attempted to win the mayoralty in 2019, falling short in that election.