In brief
The attempted assassination of Miguel Uribe Turbay, a 39-year-old senator and conservative presidential hopeful, during a campaign event in Bogotá on Saturday has sent shockwaves through Colombia, reflecting deep-seated fears of a return to the violent political era of the 1980s and 90s. Footage shared widely on social media shows the suspect, who was initially part of the audience, shooting Uribe before attempting to flee. The incident has become a powerful symbol of a country grappling with its tumultuous past, as well as ongoing concerns about safety and the future of democratic processes.
On Sunday, Uribe remained in an “extremely serious” condition in the Santa Fe Foundation hospital, drawing a gathering crowd of concerned supporters and citizens. “We thought we had put this behind us,” remarked Sonia Ballen, a local resident, as she joined others in a march to the hospital. The medical team has not disclosed further details about Uribe's prognosis, heightening public anxiety. This attack highlights the precarious nature of Colombia's political landscape, where the threat of violence continues to loom large over the nation's democratic institutions.
