Categories: US

Colombian Presidential Candidate Miguel Uribe Shot Dead at Rally

Senator Miguel Uribe, a Colombian presidential hopeful, died after being shot during a June rally in Bogota. Authorities arrested five suspects, including Elder Jose Arteaga Hernandez, accused of planning and funding the $250,000 assassination plot.

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According to Reuters, Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe was shot in the head during a public rally in Bugata in June. He was critically injured after the incident and died, as confirmed by his family. 

The politician was a prominent opposition figure and potential candidate for the presidential election. He was attacked on June 7 during the rally while he was giving a speech in the capital. He suffered three gunshot wounds, including two in the head. 

Key Suspects and Arrests

The Colombian Police announced the arrest of five individuals in July. The suspects include a 15-year-old hitman. The mastermind of the attack is suspected to be Elder Jose Arteaga Hernandez, also arrested.

Police chief Carlos Fernando Triana Beltran said that Arteaga Hernandez calculated the 'before, during, and after' of the attack. Reportedly, he has a long list of criminal activities. The criminal records are listed with the Interpol. 

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Authorities claim that Hernandez hired the shooter, provided the firearms and organised the operation. Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez said that Hernandez 'had allegedly negotiated the execution of the crime for approximately $250,000, AFP reported. 

Urbie was a member of the right-wing Democratic Centre party, founded by President Alvaro Uribe. He announced his wish to run for the 2026 presidential elections in October last year. 

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Uribe's assassination sent the entire nation in shock. It highlighted nation's ongoing security concerns and violence against public figures. The investigation of the assassination is still underway.

Published by Drishya Madhur