Colombian presidential candidate shot by fire at election activity

Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe is fighting for life in hospital after being shot in Bogotá, reports The Guardian.

The 39-year-old senator, who ran for president in 2026, is a member of the conservative opposition party of the Democratic Centre founded by former President Alvaro Uribe.

According to the party's statement condemning the attack, the senator was organising a campaign activity in a public park in the Fontibon neighbourhood in the capital on Saturday when “armed people shot him on the back of”.

The party described the attack as serious, but did not reveal further details about Uribe's situation. Social media videos showed a man identified as Uribe, who seemed to be bleeding from his head.

Uribe's wife, Maria Claudia Tarano, wrote in her husband's X account that he was fighting for his life”

Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez said a suspect was arrested and authorities were investigating whether others were involved. Sánchez said that he had visited the hospital where Uribe was being treated.

The Columbia presidency issued a statement saying the government calls for a thorough investigation. /Periscopi/