A presidential candidate was shot multiple times while speaking with supporters in a public park over the weekend.
Miguel Uribe Turbay, a senator from Colombia’s center-right Centro Democrático party, was attacked on Saturday, June 7, in the Fontibón neighborhood of the country’s capital Bogotá.
According to CNN and the BBC, a 15-year-old was arrested while carrying a Glock-style pistol.
During a television appearance later that day, Colombian President Gustavo Petro stated that it was unclear whether the teen was acting alone, according to The New York Times.
Turbay’s wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona, shared an update on X, stating that the senator was “fighting for his life” after being shot.
In a later statement on Sunday, June 8, she thanked his supporters for their “solidarity” and “prayers” and stated that the hospital would provide updates on his health.
“He came out well from the surgery,” his wife later told reporters, according to CNN, citing Agence France-Presse (AFP). “He fought the first battle and did it well. “He’s fighting for his life.
The hospital where Turbay was admitted, Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, said in a statement on June 8 that the politician was treated for procedures on his head and left thigh and remains in intensive care. The hospital described his condition as “extremely serious.”
According to the BBC, Turbay was shot three times on June 7, including twice in the head.
Turbay was speaking to supporters at the park over the weekend when loud bangs erupted. He collapsed after appearing to be shot from behind, according to widely shared footage from the scene.
Later footage showed supporters assisting and carrying the presidential candidate, who appeared to be covered in blood, while he was placed near the hood of a white car.
The Secretaría de Salud de Bogotá reported that three people were shot at the park: a 20-year-old man, a 36-year-old woman, and a 15-year-old.
According to CNN, Bogota Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán stated on June 8 that Turbay has now entered “the critical hours” of recovery after undergoing his own procedure.
During his broadcast on June 7, President Petro stated that “no resource should be spared” in tracking down those responsible for the shooting.
“Not a single peso,” he told the Times, adding that Turbay’s security would be investigated for protocol violations.
Victor Mosquera, an eyewitness, told reporters outside the hospital that he was near the senator during the shooting and still had blood on his clothing, according to the Times.
“Everyone was screaming and running,” he said. He continued, “When I turned around, I saw Miguel lying next to me.”
Colombia’s defense minister, Pedro Sánchez, has since announced on X that a reward of up to 3 billion Colombian pesos (roughly $728,000) is being offered in exchange for more information.
