Colombia’s political landscape has been shaken following the shooting of conservative presidential candidate Miguel Uribe, who is currently in critical condition after being shot twice in the head while campaigning in Bogotá. The attack, carried out by a 15-year-old suspected hitman, has sparked fears of a possible conspiracy and left the nation grappling with unsettling questions regarding security measures for political figures.
On Monday, President Gustavo Petro questioned the scaling back of Uribe’s security detail, highlighting that the number of bodyguards assigned to him was reduced from seven to three on the very day of the attack. This assertion has led to widespread speculation about the circumstances preceding the shooting. Petro took to social media, accusing political opponents of exploiting the tragedy for their gain and calling for a thorough investigation into the incident.
Investigators suspect the teenager who allegedly perpetrated the attack was a contract killer, although the identities and motives of those who may have orchestrated it are still unknown. According to AFP, Bogotá’s police chief, Carlos Triana, confirmed that the firearm used in the attack-a Glock pistol-was legally purchased in Arizona in 2020.
As Uribe battles for his life, tensions among Colombian lawmakers have escalated. The head of Colombia’s National Protection Unit, Augusto Rodriguez, acknowledged that while three agents and four police officers were assigned to Uribe on the day of the incident, the number of personnel was indeed fewer than optimal. He explained that staffing shortages arose due to long working hours of some security detail members the day before.
Typically, Colombian lawmakers are assigned a minimum of seven bodyguards, accompanied by a motorcade of two armored vehicles. Rodriguez, a long-standing ally of President Petro and a former member of the M-19 guerrilla group, explained that a police officer was tasked with overseeing security for the candidates. Despite this oversight, Uribe’s lawyer has filed a criminal complaint against Rodriguez, asserting that over 20 formal requests to bolster Uribe’s security had been ignored prior to the attack.
Adding an unsettling layer to the narrative, President Petro claimed he himself has become a target of “dark forces” and neo-Nazis, alleging a plot involving the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad aimed at his removal. His statements raise even more questions regarding the underlying political dynamics in Colombia, as the country grapples with its recent history of violence against public figures.
In light of this shocking event, the public awaits clarity on both the motives behind the assassination attempt and the overall security protocols in place to safeguard politicians. As the investigation unfolds, many are left wondering: how can Colombia ensure the safety of its political leaders amidst a backdrop of growing violence and conspiracy theories? The coming days are crucial as authorities work to shed light on these troubling developments, aiming to restore public confidence in the country’s political stability.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/world/miguel-uribe-in-critical-condition-gun-used-for-attacking-colombian-presidential-candidate-traced-to-us-purchase-11749521730777.html
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Publish Date: 2025-06-10 08:34:00
