Bogota, Jun 08 (V7N) – Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbe (39), affiliated with the Centro Democratic Party, was critically injured after being shot three times, including twice in the head, during a public speech in Bogota on Saturday (June 7).

The attack occurred while Uribe was addressing a crowd in a park. Footage shared online shows the moment he was shot mid-speech, triggering panic as the crowd scattered in fear.

According to emergency services, he was shot in the head and knee and was airlifted to the Sante Fe clinic for treatment. His wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona, confirmed that he remains in critical condition and has urged the nation to pray for his recovery.

Police have arrested a 15-year-old suspect at the scene. Authorities have not yet disclosed the motive behind the attack.

The Centro Democratic Party issued a strong condemnation, stating that the attack poses a serious threat to Colombian democracy and freedom. The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, also condemned the shooting, describing it as a "direct threat to democracy."

Uribe, a candidate in the upcoming October presidential election, hails from a prominent political family. His father was a union leader and businessman, and his mother, Diana Turbe, is a well-known journalist.

The assassination attempt has shocked the nation and raised concerns over the safety of political figures amid rising tensions ahead of the election. Security for all candidates is expected to be reassessed in the coming days.

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