Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe shot dead, in critical condition

Right-wing senator and Colombian presidential candidate next year Miguel Uribe was injured after being shot in Bogota, according to several local media outlets, while the government is calling it an "attack." Uribe, 39, is now in critical condition, while one person has been arrested. "Violence can never be the way...I sincerely hope that (Uribe) is well and out of danger," Colombian Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia wrote on social media.

In a video posted on social media, the candidate is seen holding a rally when the explosions of numerous gunshots directed at the politician are heard. Other images then show the man, now unconscious and bleeding, leaning on a white car while some collaborators try to carry him to medical assistance.

Uribe was hit by three gunshots, two to the head and one to the knee, according to paramedics who arrived on the scene.

Bogota Mayor Carlos Galan said Uribe had undergone "emergency surgery" and that the "attacker was interrogated." The government of leftist President Gustavo Petro "categorically and forcefully" condemned the attack. "This is an act of violence not only against the physical integrity of the senator," the presidency wrote in a statement, "but against democracy, freedom of thought and the legitimate exercise of politics in Colombia."

Rubio, Colombian ambush blamed on 'violent left'

"This is a threat to democracy and the result of violent left-wing rhetoric emanating from the highest levels of the Colombian government." With these words, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the attempted assassination of conservative Senator Miguel Uribe, a candidate for the 2026 Colombian presidential elections, who was shot while holding a rally in Bogotá. Addressing President Gustavo Petro, Rubio called for "toning down the inflammatory rhetoric and protecting Colombian officials."