A Colombian presidential candidate is currently in intensive care after being shot three times, including twice in the head, during a campaign rally in Bogotá. Miguel Uribe Turbay, a 39-year-old senator from the Centro Democratico party, was delivering a speech when the incident occurred, resulting in the arrest of a 15-year-old suspect at the scene.
Uribe’s wife has appealed to the nation for prayers, emphasizing her husband’s critical fight for survival. Supporters have gathered at the Santa Fe Foundation hospital, where Uribe underwent emergency surgery on his head and a leg injury.
The shooting, captured on video, sparked panic among rally attendees and has been condemned as a severe threat to democracy by Uribe’s party and government officials alike. Leftist President Gustavo Petro denounced the act of violence and called for unity among Colombians, focusing on Uribe’s recovery rather than political differences. Petro’s government, which has struggled with rising violence, is under scrutiny as tensions with the opposition escalate.
Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez offered a reward for information related to the assailant’s motives. This grim event has evoked memories of Colombia’s notorious past of political violence, drawing sharp criticism from various sectors about the current hostile political climate. The country remains at a crossroads seeking peace amidst ongoing conflicts with armed groups.
Source: www.bbc.com
