Colombia's potential presidential contender Miguel Uribe shot, suspect arrested

8/6/2025 12:28

Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe, a potential presidential contender, was shot in Bogota on Saturday, according to the government and his party, as his wife said he was fighting for his life in hospital.



The 39-year-old senator, who was shot during a campaign event as part of his run for the presidency in 2026, is a member of the opposition conservative Democratic Center party founded by former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe. The two men are not related.



According to a party statement condemning the attack, the senator was hosting a campaign event in a public park in the Fontibon neighborhood in the capital on Saturday when "armed subjects shot him from behind.



The party described the attack as serious, but did not disclose further details on Uribe's condition.



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



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.



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