The campaign trail for Colombia’s 2026 presidential race has been jolted by tragedy. Senator Miguel Uribe, a rising star in the right-wing Democratic Centre party, died on Sunday — two months after surviving a gun attack that left him gravely wounded at a Bogotá rally. He was 39.
Uribe had been in critical condition since June 7, when gunfire erupted in a middle-class neighbourhood of the capital. Witnesses recall chaos as three bullets struck him — two in the head and one in the leg — cutting short what many believed could have been a defining run for his party’s nomination.
In a brief but emotional message posted on social media, Uribe’s wife, María Claudia Tarazona, described him as “the love of my life” and “the best father” to their children. For weeks, she had urged Colombians to pray for his recovery, a call that drew thousands to candlelight vigils and solidarity rallies.
Doctors at Santa Fe Clinic fought to stabilise the senator, carrying out multiple surgeries over the past two months. The hospital confirmed on Saturday that he had suffered a severe hemorrhage in his central nervous system and had been slated for another operation before his condition deteriorated.
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Uribe’s death marks a sad turning point in Colombian politics. Known for his sharp criticism of left-wing President Gustavo Petro, he was viewed by party insiders as one of the most formidable challengers Petro’s coalition would face in 2026. His ascent since joining the Senate in 2022 had been swift, buoyed by his appeal to conservative voters and his skill in positioning himself as a voice of opposition.
The assassination attempt shocked the country and quickly drew international attention. Police apprehended a 15-year-old suspect moments after the attack; prosecutors have charged him with attempted murder, though he has pleaded not guilty. Several alleged accomplices are also in custody.
Reactions to Uribe’s death poured in from across the political spectrum and beyond Colombia’s borders. President Petro’s office released a statement offering condolences to Uribe’s family, despite their deep political differences. In Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the killing and urged Colombian authorities to ensure justice is served.