The political landscape of Colombia is currently responding to the shocking attack against Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay in the Modelia neighborhood of Bogotá. Various political figures and parties have united to condemn this act of violence, expressing their solidarity with Uribe Turbay and wishing him a swift recovery.
According to sources from the National Police, the presidential candidate was shot in the back by an assailant during a political meeting in Fontibón and has since been taken to a medical facility for treatment. Visuals from the scene of the attack have been circulating in the media, highlighting the gravity of the incident.
Senator María Fernanda Cabal, representing Uribe’s party, Centro Democrático, passionately condemned the attack, stating, “We will not be silenced nor have our democracy taken away by violent actors.” She pointed to a culture of hate and stigmatization fostered by President Gustavo Petro’s government as a contributing factor to such violence. Cabal’s comments resonate with concerns about political safety in Colombia, emphasizing the need for guaranteed protection for opposition members.
Former Bogotá Mayor Claudia López also shared her support, urging the government to provide safety assurances for all individuals involved in politics, warning that political polarization is a serious issue. Senator Carlos Fernando Motoa of Cambio Radical offered backing to Uribe Turbay and highlighted the need for stability in democratic practices, criticizing the government for fostering an environment that can lead to violent acts.
The outpouring of support extended to multiple political figures, including former presidents Iván Duque and Juan Manuel Santos, both of whom condemned the attack in strong terms and called for a thorough investigation to bring the culprits to justice. The current government, through various officials including Chancellor Laura Sarabia and Interior Minister Armando Benedetti, expressed their opposition to the use of violence and affirmed their support for Senator Uribe and his family.
In a further effort to track down the attackers, Minister of Defense Pedro Sánchez announced a reward of up to 3 billion pesos for information leading to the identification and capture of those responsible.
Centro Democrático, in an official statement, stressed the seriousness of the attack as an affront to democratic freedoms and the lives of political leaders in Colombia, reaffirming their solidarity with Uribe’s family and supporters.
This incident is a stark reminder of the political tensions within Colombia and the ongoing challenges to ensuring safety and freedom in political discourse. As voices from across the political spectrum unite in condemnation, it offers a glimpse of hope that collective efforts may help to stand against such violence and protect democracy in the nation.