A Colombian presidential candidate is currently in intensive care after being shot three times – including twice in the head – during a campaign event in Bogotá, the capital.
Miguel Uribe Turbay, a 39-year-old senator, was targeted while speaking to supporters in a park on Saturday. According to the attorney general’s office, a 15-year-old suspect was apprehended at the scene.
Uribe’s wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona, urged the nation to pray for his recovery, stating: “Miguel is currently fighting for his life. Let us ask God to guide the hands of the doctors who are treating him.”
The Centro Democratico party, to which Uribe belongs, condemned the attack, labeling it a threat to “democracy and freedom in Colombia.”
Video footage shared online seems to capture the moment he was shot in the head during his speech, causing those present to flee in terror.
He was airlifted to the Santa Fe Foundation hospital, where supporters gathered for a vigil.
According to Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán, Uribe was rushed into surgery in critical condition late Saturday night.
On Sunday morning, the hospital reported that Uribe had undergone procedures on his head and left thigh before being moved to intensive care for stabilization.
His condition remains extremely serious, the hospital added.
Local media reported that the 15-year-old suspect was shot in the leg as police and security personnel chased him after the attack.
He was arrested with a “9mm Glock-type firearm,” as stated by the attorney general’s office. An investigation is currently underway.
The government of left-wing President Gustavo Petro expressed its “categorical” condemnation of the attack, describing it as an “act of violence not only against his person, but also against democracy.”
Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez denounced the “vile attack” and announced a reward of 3 billion pesos ($730,000; £540,000) for information regarding those responsible.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also condemned the shooting, calling it a “direct threat to democracy.”
Source: HotFmOnline.com
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