'No resource or time should be spared, not a single peso and not a single moment of energy, to dedicate it exclusively to finding the mastermind behind the murder,' says Gustavo Petro
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has condemned the Saturday attack on right-wing opposition presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay, who was shot in the capital, Bogota.
Petro urged authorities in a live televised speech to "discover who the mastermind is."
"No resource or time should be spared, not a single peso and not a single moment of energy, to dedicate it exclusively to finding the mastermind behind the murder," Petro affirmed.
"Whatever his political thoughts and positions, he is first and foremost a person, a human being, and therefore has the absolute right to live."
Uribe was reportedly approached from behind by a lone assailant who shot him in the head. Videos circulating on social media showed Uribe with his face and back covered in blood as his bodyguards swiftly moved him into a vehicle for transport to a hospital.
Witnesses reported Uribe was attending a campaign event for his presidential bid when an assailant reportedly fired six shots, two of which struck the 39-year-old candidate.
Uribe is alive and in critical condition, according to a press release issued Saturday night by Fundacion Santa Fe, the hospital where he is being treated.
"We have received Mr. Miguel Uribe Turbay at our Emergency Department. He was admitted in critical condition and is receiving priority care from our team of specialists. He is currently undergoing neurosurgical and peripheral vascular procedures," it added.
Maria Claudia Tarazona, Uribe's wife, issued a statement via his official X account following the Saturday afternoon attack in the town of Fontibon, Bogota.
"I am Maria Claudia Tarazona, Miguel's wife. Miguel is currently fighting for his life. Let us ask God to guide the hands of the doctors who are treating him. I ask everyone to join us in a chain of prayer for Miguel's life. I put my faith in God," she shared.
Bogota Mayor Carlos Fernando Galan confirmed on X that the alleged shooter had been captured. The Attorney General's Office later identified the suspect as a 15-year-old minor carrying a 9-millimeter Glock pistol.
Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez also confirmed the arrest and stated that authorities are investigating whether additional people were involved.
"The investigation continues unabated, and we will get to the bottom of it. There will be no room for impunity," Sanchez posted on X.
The attack drew condemnation from numerous political figures across Latin America, including the presidents of Chile, Ecuador, and Mexico.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a post on his X account, explicitly blamed "violent leftist rhetoric" for the attack against the Democratic Center party member.
He urged President Petro to "dial back the inflammatory rhetoric and protect Colombian officials."
