Colombian Senator and presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe, who was shot in the head at a campaign event two months ago, died in the early hours of Monday at the age of 39, the hospital treating him said.

Uribe, a member of a prominent political family and a lawmaker for the right-wing opposition, was shot in Bogota on June 7 where he was speaking to try to secure his party’s nomination for 2026 elections] rewrite this description as full length article for the pan African news blog include tags separated by commas

Colombian Senator and presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe Turbay died on August 11, 2025, at the age of 39, two months after being shot during a political campaign event in Bogotá. Uribe, a rising star in the right-wing Democratic Centre party and a member of a prominent political family, was shot three times on June 7, including two bullets to the head, while speaking at a rally to secure his party’s nomination for the 2026 presidential elections.

Uribe was rushed to the hospital where he underwent multiple surgeries but remained in critical condition, suffering further complications including brain hemorrhages. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries. His death shocked Colombia, recalling a dark history of political violence reminiscent of the 1990s drug cartel era. His mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was herself a victim of kidnapping and death during that turbulent time.

Following his death, President Gustavo Petro declared a day of national mourning on August 12. Thousands held vigils and expressed grief for the loss of a hopeful political figure. Uribe’s funeral took place at the National Congress and the Primate Cathedral of Bogotá, with many national and international leaders attending, although the sitting President and Vice President respected his family’s wishes by not attending.

The 15-year-old accused gunman was arrested shortly after the shooting and charged. Authorities continue to investigate the broader conspiracy behind the assassination, with several additional suspects detained. The motive remains unclear, though suspicions of political and criminal interests persist.

Uribe’s passing marks a significant and somber moment in Colombian politics, highlighting ongoing challenges of violence and security even as the nation seeks political renewal. His widow honored him as a devoted father and expressed the family’s deep loss. Former political leaders and international figures have called for justice and remembrance of his fight for Colombia’s future.

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Citations:
[1] Assassination of Miguel Uribe Turbay https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assassination_of_Miguel_Uribe_Turbay
[2] Miguel Uribe: Colombian senator dies two months after … https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78mmj97ygmo
[3] Colombian Bishops mourn assassinated Senator Miguel … https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2025-08/colombia-bishops-mourn-assassinated-senator-miguel-uribe.html
[4] Colombian senator dies 2 months after shooting https://www.npr.org/2025/08/12/nx-s1-5499999/colombia-miguel-uribe-dies-bogota-assassination
[5] Colombian presidential hopeful Uribe dies two months … https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/colombian-presidential-hopeful-uribe-dies-two-months-after-shooting-2025-08-11/
[6] Miguel Uribe Turbay https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miguel_Uribe_Turbay
[7] Colombian presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe dies two … https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-12/colombian-presidential-hopeful-uribe-dies-two-months-after-shoot/105641164
[8] Colombian senator dies two months after being shot by … https://archsa.org/colombian-senator-dies-two-months-after-being-shot-by-assassin/
[9] Saddened by Death of Colombian Senator, Secretary-General … https://press.un.org/en/2025/sgsm22761.doc.htm