The Take Another Take: What led to the assassination of a Colombian politician?
Aug 30, 2025
Juanita Goebertus Estrada, director at Human Rights Watch, delves into the shocking assassination attempt on Colombian senator Miguel Uribe Turbay by a 15-year-old. She explores the alarming rise of political violence in Colombia, linking it to the country’s dark history and current turmoil. The conversation addresses the socio-economic factors that lead youth to armed groups and questions the future of fair elections in 2026. Goebertus emphasizes the need for resilience and unity among leaders to combat this escalating violence.
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Shooting During Campaign Rally
- Miguel Uribe Turbay was shot mid-speech in a Bogotá park and rushed to hospital after collapsing from head and chest wounds.
- The shooter was a minor under 15 who was wrestled to the ground by bodyguards and bystanders at the scene.
Minor Allegedly Hired By Drug Network
- The 15-year-old shooter claimed he was paid 20 million pesos and had ties to vulnerable social-program registries.
- Investigators found potential links to a drug network and persons in Ecuador but stressed transparency and limited speculation.
Uribe Turbay's Family History
- Miguel Uribe Turbay is a 39-year-old senator from Centro Democrático with a prominent political family history.
- His mother was kidnapped and killed during a rescue attempt linked to Pablo Escobar, and he is the grandson of former president Julio César Turbay.