Colombian senator and rising political star Miguel Uribe has died following severe injuries sustained in a shooting on June 7. The senator, who was 39 years old, was shot three times—twice in the head and once in the leg—while campaigning in Bogotá. His passing, confirmed by his wife, sparked widespread grief and condolences throughout the nation as tributes poured in for the person described as "the love of my life" and "the best father."
A teenage suspect has been arrested in connection with the attack, but the motive remains unclear. Uribe’s wife, María Claudia Tarazona, expressed her gratitude for their time together and for his dedication as a father. The senator had been undergoing treatment for severe injuries, including a bleed to his central nervous system, after multiple surgeries at Santa Fe Clinic.
Throughout the process, citizens showed their support for Uribe, with thousands attending vigils and silent marches advocating for his recovery. Uribe had served in the Senate since 2022 and was a wanted candidate for the 2026 presidential election, having garnered popularity as a member of the right-wing Democratic Centre party, often criticizing left-wing President Gustavo Petro.
President Petro has extended his condolences to Uribe's family following the shocking act of violence that reverberated through Colombian society, reminiscent of the country's history of politically motivated assassinations. Uribe himself had a personal connection to this violent legacy; his mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was kidnapped and murdered by a drug lord faction called Los Extraditables in 1990, which profoundly motivated Uribe's pursuit of public service.
While the security situation in Colombia has improved in recent years, marked by a historic peace agreement with leftist guerrilla groups, the specter of violence still looms large. The nation recorded a murder rate of 25.4 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2024, a notable decline from previous decades but still among the highest in Latin America, alongside traditionally violent neighbors like Ecuador and Brazil.
Laura Bonilla from the Peace and Reconciliation Foundation commented on the political implications of Uribe's death, suggesting that right-wing narratives may gain traction in the turbulent political environment. Additionally, Vice-President Francia Márquez called for unity against violence, emphasizing a democratic process based on respect and dialogue rather than intimidation.
Following this tragic event, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also joined the outcry for justice, underscoring the international implications of the political instability within Colombia.
A teenage suspect has been arrested in connection with the attack, but the motive remains unclear. Uribe’s wife, María Claudia Tarazona, expressed her gratitude for their time together and for his dedication as a father. The senator had been undergoing treatment for severe injuries, including a bleed to his central nervous system, after multiple surgeries at Santa Fe Clinic.
Throughout the process, citizens showed their support for Uribe, with thousands attending vigils and silent marches advocating for his recovery. Uribe had served in the Senate since 2022 and was a wanted candidate for the 2026 presidential election, having garnered popularity as a member of the right-wing Democratic Centre party, often criticizing left-wing President Gustavo Petro.
President Petro has extended his condolences to Uribe's family following the shocking act of violence that reverberated through Colombian society, reminiscent of the country's history of politically motivated assassinations. Uribe himself had a personal connection to this violent legacy; his mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was kidnapped and murdered by a drug lord faction called Los Extraditables in 1990, which profoundly motivated Uribe's pursuit of public service.
While the security situation in Colombia has improved in recent years, marked by a historic peace agreement with leftist guerrilla groups, the specter of violence still looms large. The nation recorded a murder rate of 25.4 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2024, a notable decline from previous decades but still among the highest in Latin America, alongside traditionally violent neighbors like Ecuador and Brazil.
Laura Bonilla from the Peace and Reconciliation Foundation commented on the political implications of Uribe's death, suggesting that right-wing narratives may gain traction in the turbulent political environment. Additionally, Vice-President Francia Márquez called for unity against violence, emphasizing a democratic process based on respect and dialogue rather than intimidation.
Following this tragic event, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also joined the outcry for justice, underscoring the international implications of the political instability within Colombia.
