National University of Colombia: Knife attack leaves three victims

The National University of Colombia has strongly condemned knife attacks that occurred on its Bogotá campus, resulting in injuries to three students. University officials described the incidents as acts of violence against members of the university community, expressing their rejection of the aggression.

According to reports and social media footage, the attacks involved individuals known as "encapuchados," or hooded individuals, who pursued and assaulted a student representative, Kevin Arregui, with bladed weapons. Arregui stated that the attack happened after he attempted to remove a banner displayed on campus. The university emphasized that violence is never justified, regardless of the differences, and such acts are fundamentally incompatible with its core principles of respect, coexistence, and integrity.

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From the Rectorate and the Vice-Rectorate of the Bogotá Campus of the National University of Colombia, we reject the acts of violence against members of the university community that occurred last night, resulting in personal injuries.

Authorities in Bogotá are actively investigating the attacks to identify and apprehend those responsible. In addition to Arregui, two other students were injured, though their identities have not yet been disclosed. Security camera footage from the building where Arregui was attacked is being analyzed by investigators.

Founded in 1867, the National University of Colombia is the largest public higher education institution in the country, with its main campus in Bogotá and several other campuses across Colombia. It serves approximately 55,000 students.

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No difference justifies the use of violence, and these types of incidents are incompatible with the principles of respect, coexistence, and integrity that guide the work of our Alma Mater.