Arrest Made in Attempted Assassination of Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe

In a significant breakthrough, Colombian authorities have arrested Élder José Arteaga Hernandez, believed to be the mastermind behind the assassination attempt on Senator Miguel Uribe, who remains in critical condition after being shot during a campaign rally.

Colombian police have successfully apprehended Élder José Arteaga Hernandez, identified as the chief suspect behind the assassination attempt of Senator Miguel Uribe during a political rally last month. Arguably one of the most high-profile cases in recent times, Uribe, a conservative senator and presidential hopeful, suffered two gunshot wounds to the head while campaigning in Bogotá for the 2026 presidential nomination.

Authorities revealed that Arteaga allegedly coerced a 15-year-old to execute the attack, leading to widespread concern over the exploitation of minors in criminal activities. So far, four individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, including the teenager, who was apprehended while attempting to flee the scene. He has since pleaded not guilty, according to the prosecutor's office.

Police Chief Carlos Fernando Triana explained that Arteaga is a repeat offender with a lengthy criminal record. He faces charges of "aggravated attempted homicide" and has been accused of employing minors to facilitate his crimes. Allegations suggest that he orchestrated the violent attack, selected the gunman, and supplied him with the weapon.

The motive behind the shooting, which took place on June 7, remains a mystery. Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, Uribe's critical condition and the violent nature of the event have ignited silent protests across the country, drawing attendance from tens of thousands of concerned citizens.

Uribe, a well-known political figure with a significant family legacy, has been a vocal critic of the current left-wing President Gustavo Petro. His parents also played prominent roles in Colombian society—the senator’s mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was tragically killed in 1991 during a kidnapping by the notorious Medellin drug cartel.