Colombian Politician Shot in Assassination Attempt: Condemnation Pouring In
The Colombian government has strongly condemned an assassination attempt on former President Alvaro Uribe, a right-wing critic of current President Gustavo Petro. According to reports from the BBC, the government "categorically" denounced the attack as an "act of violence not only against his person, but also against democracy".
In a statement, Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed his dismay at the "vile attack" and announced a 3bn peso ($730,000; £540,000) reward for information leading to the capture of those responsible. The BBC understands that the suspect’s motivation remains unclear, with many Colombians condemning the increasingly hostile rhetoric used by both the government and opposition parties.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also weighed in on the condemnation, stating that the shooting was a "direct threat to democracy". However, Rubio also blamed the attack on "violent leftist rhetoric coming from the highest levels of the Colombian government", without providing specific examples. As reported by the BBC, the week leading up to the shooting was particularly tense, with President Petro seeking popular backing for his reforms in a move that opposition leaders, including Uribe, dubbed unconstitutional.
In a video address to the nation, President Petro urged Colombians to wish Uribe well, describing it as a "day of pain". He emphasised that while there was a "political difference" between Uribe and the government, it was "only political". "What matters most today is that all Colombians focus with the energy of our hearts, with our will to live… on ensuring that Dr Miguel Uribe stays alive," the president added.
Uribe, who announced his candidacy for next year’s presidential election in October, has been a senator since 2022. He hails from a prominent political family in Colombia, with links to the country’s Liberal Party. His father was a union leader and businessman, while his mother, Diana Turbay, was a journalist who tragically lost her life in 1991 in a rescue attempt after being kidnapped by the Medellin drugs cartel, run at the time by Pablo Escobar.
According to the BBC, many Colombians have expressed concern about the increasing polarisation of politics in the country. The attempted assassination has sparked widespread condemnation, with politicians from across the spectrum calling for calm and an end to the hostile rhetoric. As reported by the BBC, President Petro’s government has faced criticism for its perceived divisive language, with some opposition leaders accusing the administration of fuelling tensions.
The BBC was told that the investigation into the assassination attempt is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the identity and motives of the suspect. The Colombian government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, including politicians. As the situation continues to unfold, the BBC will provide updates and analysis on this developing story.
