Press Article: Teen Arrested in Attempted Murder of Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe
A 15-year-old boy has been arrested for allegedly attempting to assassinate Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe, a presidential candidate. The prosecutor’s office confirmed that the teenager pleaded “not guilty” to charges that include attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm.
Senator Uribe, 39, was shot multiple times, including twice in the head, during a campaign event in Bogotá on Saturday. He remains in critical condition in the hospital. Authorities believe the teenager was acting as a hitman, likely hired for money by a local drug dealer. Eyewitness accounts and video footage captured the moment of the attack as the youth fired at least eight shots before being apprehended by security personnel.
Uribe’s wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona, expressed anguish outside the hospital, stating, “No family in Colombia should be going through this,” emphasizing the emotional toll of the violence. The senator’s father, Miguel Uribe Londono, thanked supporters for their prayers and described the unity against violence it has sparked.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, especially since Uribe was trailing in party polls. Colombian authorities have linked the incident to broader violence in the country, pointing to a recent wave of bombings and shootings that left at least seven dead in the southwest.
President Gustavo Petro has suggested that an international crime ring may be behind the assassination attempt, while Interior Minister Armando Benedetti hinted at potential links to drug trafficking within armed rebel groups. In light of these threats, the government has heightened security measures for politicians and opposition leaders.
Despite having two bodyguards at the time, Uribe’s attorney noted that the senator had requested additional protection prior to the attack.
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