Colombia is still mourning 🖤🇨🇴💔 Senator Miguel Uribe, a leader of the right-wing opposition who is considered one of Colombia’s most influential 39-year-old politicians and a future presidential candidate, has died. Uribe died from his injuries after being shot at a campaign rally in Bogotá on June 7. His family announced his death on Sunday. This shocking news has reverberated across our country and raised the specter of political violence.
Uribe, of the right-wing, paramilitary-tainted Democratic Center party, was easily the most consequential figure in Colombian politics. And with the motto “Colombia Primero” (“Columbia First”), he headed up his party’s Senate slate in the 2022 legislative elections. His political career began early. He was elected to Bogotá’s city council at just 25 and became the youngest city government secretary at 30. He had big dreams for the 2026 presidential election, putting himself at the front of the line to be the leader of change in Colombia.
Tragic Shooting Incident
On June 7, Miguel Uribe was assassinated at a political campaign event in Bogotá. This event dramatically highlighted the extreme violence that Colombian politicians still experience today. After the shooting, Uribe had several surgeries as medical professionals fought to keep him alive. But alas, despite their valiant efforts, he eventually died from his injuries.
The shocking tragedy has opened up a debate about the necessity of additional security for public officials. Colombian Vice President Francia Marquez issued the following statement on Uribe’s passing today. She went on to really underscore that this violence is the most serious threat to our democracy.
“Today is a sad day for the country,”
- Colombian Vice President Francia Marquez
Political Legacy and Family Background
Uribe’s family had long been established in Colombian politics and journalism. He was the nephew of journalist Diana Turbay, her son. Tragically, she was murdered in 1991 during a bungled rescue attempt by Colombian security forces after the MedellĂn cartel kidnapped her. His maternal grandfather, Julio Cesar Turbay, was himself president of Colombia between 1978 and 1982. His paternal grandfather, Rodrigo Uribe Echavarria, left his legacy as one of the most important leaders of Colombian Liberal Party.
Uribe’s political legacy can be summarized by his staunch dedication to moving Colombia forward and promoting the advancement of democratic processes. His untimely death calls into question the safety of our political candidates and the environment in which they should be able to execute their political discourse freely.
Calls for Peace and Reflection
The assassination of Miguel Uribe, a [local] peace leader, has Colombian communities calling … During a time of increased violence in Colombia … these … It’s time for a different story — Vice President Francia Marquez called for just that in her remarks after Uribe’s death.
“Violence cannot continue to mark our destiny. Democracy is not built with bullets or blood, it is built with respect, with dialogue,”
- Colombian Vice President Francia Marquez
Uribe is survived by his wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona, and their young son. He leaves behind three teenage daughters from his first marriage. His death is a loss for his family and community and echoes throughout the politics of Colombia.
