(ProsperNews.net) – Senator Marco Rubio blames “violent leftist rhetoric” from Colombia’s government for the shocking assassination attempt on conservative presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay, who remains in critical condition after being shot in the head by a teenage gunman.
Key Takeaways
- Conservative Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay was shot multiple times, including twice in the head, during a campaign rally in Bogotá on June 7, 2025
- The 15-year-old gunman used a 9mm Glock, firing over a dozen shots before being apprehended; authorities have offered a $729,000 reward for information
- U.S. Senator Marco Rubio directly blamed “violent leftist rhetoric coming from the highest levels of the Colombian government” for inciting the attack
- The assassination attempt has reignited fears of Colombia returning to its violent political past of the 1980s-90s when five presidential candidates were killed
- President Gustavo Petro condemned the attack but faces criticism for allegedly fueling polarization through his rhetoric against conservatives
Assassination Attempt Rocks Colombian Democracy
Colombia’s political landscape was shattered on June 7, 2025, when conservative presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay was shot multiple times during a campaign rally in Bogotá’s Modelia neighborhood. The Harvard-educated senator and vocal critic of leftist President Gustavo Petro was addressing supporters in a park when a 15-year-old assailant opened fire with a 9mm Glock pistol. Security footage shows the gunman approaching Uribe before firing over a dozen shots at close range, striking the politician twice in the head and once in the chest.
Uribe was rushed to hospital where he underwent emergency brain surgery and remains in intensive care with “extremely serious” injuries. Medical reports as of June 9 indicate he is showing minimal response to treatment. The attack also injured two bystanders during the ensuing gunfight between the shooter and Uribe’s security team. The teenage suspect was immediately apprehended at the scene, though his motives remain unclear as investigators continue their work.
U.S. Officials Condemn Attack, Blame Leftist Rhetoric
The assassination attempt has drawn swift international condemnation, particularly from U.S. officials. Senator Marco Rubio issued a scathing statement placing blame directly on Colombia’s current administration, citing what he described as dangerous political rhetoric emanating from President Petro’s government. Rubio’s comments highlight growing concerns about the deteriorating political climate in the South American nation under its first leftist president.
“This heinous attack is the direct result of violent leftist rhetoric coming from the highest levels of the Colombian government,” Rubio stated. “President Petro’s constant demonization of his political opponents represents a direct threat to democracy in Colombia.” The Florida senator’s comments reflect widespread concern among conservatives about increasing political polarization in Colombia since Petro took office.
Republican Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar echoed Rubio’s sentiments, labeling the shooting an “assault on democracy” and calling for accountability from Colombia’s government. The strong American response underscores the strategic importance of Colombia as a key U.S. ally in South America and growing concerns about leftist governance in the region.
Colombia’s Violent Political History Repeating?
The attack on Uribe has awakened painful memories of Colombia’s violent political past. During the height of cartel violence in the 1980s and early 1990s, five presidential candidates were assassinated, including Luis Carlos Galán, whose campaign against drug trafficking made him a target for Pablo Escobar. Tragically, Uribe’s own family history is marked by this violence—his mother was killed during a botched rescue attempt from Escobar’s cartel in 1990.
Hundreds of supporters have gathered outside Uribe’s hospital, many chanting against President Petro and expressing fears that Colombia is returning to its darkest era. “We cannot go back to the 1980s,” said one protester holding a sign reading “Democracy Under Attack.” The assassination attempt comes at a particularly sensitive time, with presidential elections approaching in May 2026 and political tensions already at a boiling point.
The attack highlights Colombia’s ongoing struggles with both urban and rural violence despite the 2016 peace deal with FARC rebels. Security experts note that political violence has been steadily increasing since Petro took office, with conservative politicians reporting escalating threats and intimidation. Authorities have offered a $729,000 reward for information about the assassination attempt, indicating the government’s concern about potential broader conspiracies.
President Petro’s Response Fuels Further Division
President Gustavo Petro publicly condemned the attack but urged his political opponents to avoid politicizing it. “Violence has no place in our democracy,” Petro stated on social media. “I call on all political forces to reject this criminal act without using it to deepen our divisions.” However, his response has been met with skepticism from opposition figures who claim his administration has fostered a climate of hostility toward conservatives.
Critics point to Petro’s frequent characterization of the opposition as “enemies of the people” and his administration’s attempts to implement controversial judicial reforms that would weaken checks on executive power. Conservative leaders argue that such rhetoric creates an environment where political violence becomes normalized. The president’s supporters counter that right-wing forces are exploiting the tragedy to undermine Colombia’s first leftist government.
Uribe’s Political Profile and Future Implications
Miguel Uribe Turbay had emerged as a leading conservative voice and potential frontrunner for the 2026 presidential election. As a Harvard-educated politician with strong security credentials, he represented a direct challenge to Petro’s progressive agenda. Uribe has been particularly vocal in opposing the president’s economic reforms, peace negotiations with remaining rebel groups, and environmental policies restricting oil exploration.
The assassination attempt comes at a critical juncture for Colombia’s democracy. With Uribe’s political future now uncertain, the conservative opposition faces a leadership vacuum heading into the election cycle. Political analysts suggest the attack could either rally conservatives around Uribe’s platform or create dangerous instability within the opposition. Either way, the incident has dramatically altered Colombia’s political landscape and raised serious questions about the country’s democratic resilience.
As Colombia awaits updates on Uribe’s condition, the nation stands at a crossroads. The coming days will reveal whether this shocking act of violence will push the country toward reconciliation or deeper division. What remains clear is that the assassination attempt has exposed the fragility of democratic institutions in a nation still struggling to escape the shadows of its violent past.
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