A 15-year-old boy has pleaded “not guilty” to charges related to the attempted assassination of Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe, who is also a candidate for the presidency, the prosecutor’s office announced. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, left the 39-year-old senator in critical condition after he was shot in the head during a public event in Bogotá.
Authorities believe the teenager acted as a hired gunman, or “sicario,” motivated by financial gain. He faces charges not only of attempted murder but also of carrying a firearm illegally. The shooting has shocked the nation, sparking widespread expressions of empathy and solidarity. Maria Claudia Tarazona, Uribe’s wife, conveyed the gravity of the situation outside the hospital, stating that no family should endure such pain.
Uribe’s father, Miguel Uribe Londono, thanked citizens both nationally and internationally for their prayers and support. He emphasized the unifying spirit among Colombians rejecting violence, illustrating the public’s desire for a peaceful society. Details surrounding the motives behind the attack remain unclear, particularly as Uribe had been trailing in party polls leading up to the incident.
CCTV footage captured the moment the attack unfolded, revealing that the assailant approached Uribe and discharged at least eight rounds, striking him twice in the head and once in the leg. The alleged shooter was apprehended swiftly by security personnel, with a Glock 9mm pistol recovered from the scene. According to a video verified by ZezapTV, the youth claimed he was hired by a local drug dealer, indicating a potential link to broader criminal activities.
Despite this, during court proceedings, the teenager denied the charges of attempted murder and illegal firearm possession. As he is a minor, if convicted, he could face up to eight years in a rehabilitation facility rather than a traditional prison sentence.
In a troubling parallel, violent incidents across Colombia have surged recently, with bombings and gunfire resulting in at least seven fatalities in the country’s southwest. The violence has hearkened back to earlier decades marked by attacks from armed groups, suggesting a resurgence of conflict.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has linked the attack on Uribe to potential international crime syndicates while reinforcing security measures for government officials in response to escalating violence. Uribe, who has been critical of Petro’s security policies, was provided with two bodyguards at the time of the shooting but had reportedly requested additional protection from potential threats.
This incident marks a crucial juncture in Colombia’s ongoing struggle against violence, with the political landscape facing scrutiny regarding its efficacy in safeguarding public figures and citizens alike.
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