A key suspect in the attempted assassination of Colombian senator Miguel Uribe has been arrested, along with four others. Uribe, who remains in critical condition, had been campaigning for the presidential nomination. The motives behind the attack are still unclear as the investigation unfolds.
Arrest Made in High-Profile Attack on Conservative Senator in Colombia
Arrest Made in High-Profile Attack on Conservative Senator in Colombia
Colombian authorities apprehend the alleged mastermind behind the assassination attempt on senator Miguel Uribe, raising concerns over political violence ahead of the 2026 elections.
Colombian law enforcement officials have captured a primary suspect linked to the assassination attempt on senator Miguel Uribe, who is a prominent candidate in the upcoming 2026 presidential elections. Uribe was shot twice in the head during a campaign rally in Bogotá on June 7, an incident that shook the nation's political landscape. Authorities have confirmed the arrest of Élder José Arteaga Hernandez, accused of orchestrating the attack and recruiting a minor to execute it.
Uribe's assailant, a 15-year-old, was apprehended shortly after the shooting but has since pleaded not guilty. This attack has stirred outrage and concern among the Colombian populace, signaling an alarming trend of political violence in the country. Although four individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, the exact motivations behind the attack remain elusive.
The Colombian police chief, Carlos Fernando Triana, reported that Arteaga has a considerable criminal record that includes charges for "aggravated attempted homicide" and using minors in criminal activities. Described as a figure with significant influence in criminal circles, Arteaga was allegedly present at the scene of the attack and is suspected of providing firearms involved in the assault.
Senator Miguel Uribe, a member of the conservative political faction and a critic of current President Gustavo Petro, announced his presidential campaign in late 2022. Coming from a politically significant family, Uribe's mother was a journalist tragically killed in a kidnapping incident tied to the notorious Medellin drug cartel in the late 1980s.
The shooting on June 7 ignited widespread protests, reflecting public discontent and fear regarding the violence enveloping Colombian politics. Uribe's critical condition has raised concerns for his life as investigations into the motives and background of the assault continue to unfold.
