Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay passed away Monday, August 11, from injuries sustained in a June assassination attempt.
Colombia is once again grappling with the spectre of political violence following the death of Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay. The 39-year-old politician, a rising star in the conservative Democratic Centre party and a pre-candidate for the 2026 presidential election, succumbed to his injuries on August 11, 2025.
His passing comes just over two months after he was shot in an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Bogotá. The incident, which has shocked the country and drawn comparisons to a darker era of political turmoil, has reignited national debates about security and the future of Colombian democracy.
The Attack: A Chilling Echo of the Past
The attack on Senator Uribe Turbay took place on June 7, 2025, at a political rally in El Golfito Park in the Fontibón neighbourhood of Bogotá. As he addressed a crowd of supporters, a gunman approached from behind and shot him multiple times.
Eyewitness reports and video footage of the incident captured the terrifying moments as Uribe Turbay fell to the ground, and his bodyguards engaged in a shootout with the assailant.
Two other individuals were injured in the exchange of fire, and the suspected gunman, identified as a teenager, was apprehended at the scene. He was reportedly wounded in the foot and was beaten by bystanders before being taken into custody.
In a chilling confession to the police, the suspect was heard shouting, “I’m sorry, I did it for the money, for my family,” suggesting he was a hired assassin, or “sicario”, acting on behalf of others.
A Two-Month Battle for Life
Following the attack, Senator Uribe Turbay was rushed to the Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, where he was admitted in critical condition. He had suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including two to the head, and underwent several emergency neurosurgical and vascular operations. For over two months, he remained in the intensive care unit, with his condition described as “extremely serious”.
Despite showing some signs of neurological improvement at times, his health remained precarious. His family and doctors shared updates on his condition, with his wife, María Claudia Tarazona, using social media to rally support and prayers from the public.
The political and social implications of his condition were so significant that even President Gustavo Petro issued a statement, calling for his “human dignity” not to be manipulated. The senator’s death was ultimately caused by complications from his injuries, including a recent acute intracerebral haemorrhage.
A Legacy and a Call for Justice
Miguel Uribe Turbay’s death is a profound loss for Colombia. The grandson of former president Julio César Turbay Ayala, he came from a family with deep roots in the nation’s politics, a family that has also been touched by tragedy. His mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was killed in 1991 during a botched rescue attempt after being kidnapped by the Medellín Cartel.
The assassination of Senator Uribe Turbay has been met with a wave of condemnation from across the political spectrum. Politicians, public figures, and citizens alike have expressed their grief and demanded a thorough investigation to find the masterminds behind the attack.
His passing has cast a shadow over the upcoming 2026 presidential election and serves as a sombre reminder of the fragility of peace and the persistent threat of violence that continues to plague the nation. The fight for justice for Miguel Uribe Turbay has only just begun.
