Assassination attempt on presidential candidate in Colombia! Attacker's age is shocking

Presidential candidate and Senator Miguel Uribe (39) was the target of an armed attack while meeting with the public in the Modelia neighborhood, located on the west side of Colombia's capital, Bogota, while he was giving a speech.

It was announced that Uribe, who was rushed to a private medical center by party members following the incident, had been struck by six bullets and that his health condition is serious.

ATTACKER TURNS OUT TO BE 15 YEARS OLD

According to reports in the Colombian media, the 15-year-old child alleged to have carried out the attack was taken into custody while wounded and is continuing to receive treatment at a clinic.

Bogota Mayor Carlos Fernando Galan stated regarding the attack, "Senator Miguel Uribe was rushed for treatment following an assassination attempt in Fontibon this afternoon. The person who opened fire has been caught. All hospitals in Bogota are on alert in case of a possible transfer," he said.

The Colombian government also took a clear stance against the attack. The official statement included the following: "We condemn the attack on Miguel Uribe Turbay in a firm and clear manner. This is not only an act against the personal integrity of a senator, but also an act targeting democracy and freedom of expression. We reject all forms of violence."

STERN REACTION FROM PRESIDENT PETRO

President Gustavo Petro also reacted sharply in a statement he made on social media following the incident. He called on all segments of society with the message, "Respect life, this is a red line. Colombia should not kill its own children. Because they are our children too."

Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia condemned the attack on Uribe with these words: "Violence can never be a path. I firmly condemn the attack on Miguel Uribe. I sincerely hope that he will be well and that he has overcome the danger. In a country trying to build a society in peace, there can be no justification for violence."

Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez Suarez also announced that a reward of 700 thousand dollars would be given in exchange for information that would lead to the capture of the perpetrators of the attack.

REACTION FROM THE DEMOCRATIC CENTER PARTY

The Democratic Center Party (Centro Democrático), founded by former President Alvaro Uribe, expressed its reaction in a statement following the incident: "This attack has not only endangered the life of a political leader, but has also posed a clear threat to democracy and freedoms in Colombia. We condemn it strongly."

PETRO CANCELS FOREIGN TRIP

President Petro canceled his participation in the United Nations Ocean Conference to be held in France following the assassination attempt. In a statement from the Presidential Press Office, it was said, "The trip was abandoned in order to prioritize taking all necessary institutional measures to ensure security, clarify the events, and reinforce trust in the rule of law."

The same statement also included the following: "The gravity of the events that have occurred and the National Government's commitment to defending the institutional structure and protecting all democratic actors in the country require the immediate presence of the President and the government team on national soil."

SECURITY MEASURES INCREASED

Following the attack, the Colombian government activated the "Emergency Response Plan" (Plan de Choque). It is expected that decisions will be made to raise security protocols for presidential candidates to the highest level in meetings led by the National Protection Unit (UNP) and the Ministry of the Interior.

MESSAGES OF SUPPORT FROM FORMER LEADERS

Alvaro Uribe, founder of the Democratic Center Party and former President, made an emotional statement after the attack: "They attacked the hope of the homeland, a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, and a wonderful colleague. We are praying to God for Miguel's recovery. We trust the doctors, the armed forces, and justice."

Former President Ivan Duque also emphasized in his post that the process must be carried out meticulously, saying, "We condemn this cowardly act and demand that the authorities launch a swift investigation to find those responsible. There was no place for violence in our democracy."

Former presidents Juan Manuel Santos, Andres Pastrana, and Ernesto Samper also reacted sharply to the attack in statements they made on social media and expressed that they condemned it "strongly."

The Colombian media reported that the health condition of Miguel Uribe, who is continuing to receive treatment, is still "critical."

News Source: AA