Colombia mourns after Senator Miguel Uribe, a 39-year-old presidential hopeful and scion of a prominent political family, died in the early hours of Monday at a Bogotá hospital, more than two months after he was shot in the head during a campaign event.
Uribe was targeted in Bogotá on June 7 as he spoke to try to secure his party’s nomination for the 2026 elections. His wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona, announced his death on social media, writing that she would learn to live without him and promising to care for their children.
The killing marked the worst spike in political violence in two decades, rekindling memories of the turbulent 1980s and 1990s when several presidential candidates were murdered in attacks linked to drug cartels. President Gustavo Petro said the investigation should be deepened, with authorities aided by international experts, adding that every murder in Colombia is a defeat for the country and for life. Uribe’s hospital, Santa Fe Foundation, had said his condition worsened over the weekend due to a hemorrhage in the central nervous system; he died at 1:56 a.m. local time.
Former President Alvaro Uribe, leader of the Democratic Center and no relation to the slain senator, posted that “evil destroys everything; they killed hope,” and urged that Miguel Uribe’s fight become a guiding light for Colombia’s right path. The ex-president also noted his own legal troubles recently, underscoring the era’s complex political climate.
International reactions followed, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing sorrow and solidarity with Uribe’s family and the Colombian people, and calling for justice for those responsible.
Authorities say six people have been arrested in connection with the shooting, including individuals who allegedly met in Medellín to plan the assassination. A 15-year-old accused shooter was taken into custody within hours of the crime, and police say they are pursuing the “intellectual authors” behind the attack. A video of the boy’s arrest shows him saying he had been hired by a local drug dealer.
In an important development, authorities later announced progress in the broader investigation: Elder Jose Arteaga, alias El Costeno, was arrested in western Bogotá in what police called a significant breakthrough. Arteaga is suspected of organizing and facilitating the assault, allegedly handing the weapon to the teenage suspect. He faces charges including aggravated attempted homicide and the illegal use of minors in criminal activities. Arteaga’s capture occurred after Interpol issued a red notice for his arrest, and the investigation continues to explore who masterminded the operation.
Authorities have offered a reward of up to 3 billion pesos (about $750,000) for information leading to the capture of others involved, reflecting a broader effort to engage communities and restore a sense of safety amid rising political violence in Colombia. The case has underscored ongoing concerns about the security of public figures and the seriousness with which Colombian institutions are pursuing accountability and justice.
This tragedy comes as Colombia grapples with political violence and security for public figures, with law enforcement signaling that both local and international cooperation will remain essential to solving the case and preventing future attacks. The message from officials and international partners points to resilience and a commitment to safeguarding Colombia’s fragile democratic process.
Summary: A prominent Colombian senator and presidential hopeful, Miguel Uribe, has died after gunshot wounds suffered at a campaign event in June. The investigation has led to multiple arrests, including the capture of a suspected organizer, Elder Jose Arteaga, with authorities pursuing intellectual authors behind the attack. A substantial reward is offered for more information, and there is a continued emphasis on international cooperation to ensure justice and public safety.
Positive note: The rapid arrests and coordinated international cooperation signal a determined push toward accountability and a safer political environment, even in the wake of a devastating event.
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