Premium

Key suspect arrested in shooting of Colombia presidential candidate Miguel Uribe

Miguel Uribe, a conservative senator, was shot twice in his head near the Bogota park on June 7 while he was campaigning in the capital for his party’s nomination in the 2026 presidential election.

Gen. Carlos Fernando Triana, National Police director, speaks during a press conference regarding the arrest of Elder José Arteaga Hernández, alias “Chipi” or “Costeño,” pictured on a screen in the background, who authorities say is the alleged mastermind behind the shooting of Colombian senator and presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay, in Bogota, Colombia. (AP Photo)

The alleged mastermind behind the assassination attempt at Colombia Senator and a presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe has been arrested by the Colombian police on Saturday almost a month after the attack, law enforcement authorities said.

Miguel Uribe, a conservative senator, was shot twice in his head near the Bogota park on June 7 while he was campaigning in the capital for his party’s nomination in the 2026 presidential election. Uribe was giving a speech when he was shot from behind and wounded. Three other people have also been arrested by the authorities for providing logistics and execution of the attack. Police are still investigating the motive behind the ghastly attack.

The Colombian police have arrested a suspected criminal, Élder José Arteaga Hernandez, who they say persuaded a 15-year-old boy to carry out the shootout. The teenage boy had already been arrested by police and he had pleaded not guilty, stated the prosecutor’s office.

Story continues below this ad

A leaflet showing Colombian Sen. Miguel Uribe Turbay sits on a Colombian national flag draped over his seat in the congressional chamber, in Bogota, Colombia. (AP)

Hernandez, also known as “Chipi” or “Costeño,” was arrested in a neighborhood in the northwestern part of Bogota, said National Police Director Maj. Gen. Carlos Fernando Triana.

Also Read | Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe shot in Bogota, suspect detained

Uribe, 33, had announced in October last year his intention to contest the 2026 presidential election in Colombia. Uribe is in intensive care and has undergone several surgeries. He had become one of President Gustavo Petro’s most vocal critics after becoming a senator in 2022.

The Colombian police have charged Hernandez with attempted aggravated homicide; manufacturing, trafficking and carrying firearms or ammunition; and using minors to commit crimes. The Interpol has also issued a red notice against him on Friday.

Uribe comes from a prominent political family with links to Liberal Party in Colombia. His father was a union leader and businessman. Uribe’s mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was killed in 1991 during a rescue attempt after being kidnapped by the Medellin drugs cartel.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Tags:
Colombia

Anjana Krishna, IPS officer who stood firm against Ajit Pawar, is no stranger to overcoming setbacks

Anjana Krishna, who stood against Ajit Pawar, is no stranger to overcoming setbacks

India3 hr ago

Maharashtra-cadre IPS officer Anjana Krishna V S, who was in the news for being “reprimanded” by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar while taking action over alleged illegal mining, grew up on the outskirts of an area of Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram district that has become notorious for the illegal granite mining.

View all shorts

Live Blog