Colombian Presidential Contender Fighting for His Life After Shooting

Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe, a potential presidential contender, was fighting for his life in hospital after being shot during a campaign event in Bogota on Saturday, according to his wife and government and party authorities.

- Reuters

BOGOTA:

The Colombian Attorney General's Office said in a statement that "a minor under 15 years of age was arrested carrying a Glock pistol-type firearm (9mm)", and President Gustavo Petro ordered an investigation into who had ordered the attack.

The 39-year-old senator, a member of the opposition conservative Democratic Centre party, was shot during a 2026 presidential campaign event in a public park in the Fontibon neighborhood in the capital on Saturday, according to a party statement condemning the attack.

The party said in a statement "armed subjects shot him from behind" and described the attack as serious, but did not disclose further details on Uribe's condition. Videos on social media showed a man, identified as Uribe, being tended to after the shooting. He appeared to be bleeding from his head.

Uribe's wife Maria Claudia Tarazona wrote on her husband's account on X that he was "fighting for his life".

People gathered outside the Santa Fe Foundation hospital where Uribe was being treated, some staged candlelight vigils and prayed, while others carried Colombian flags.

Colombia's defense minister Pedro Sanchez said a suspect had been arrested in the shooting and that authorities were investigating whether others were involved. Sanchez said he had visited the hospital where Uribe was being treated.

Thorough investigation

The government is offering some $730,000 as a reward for information in the case.