One year after attack on Miguel Uribe Turbay, crime reshaped Colombia's presidential election

The assassination of Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay one year ago has cast a long shadow over the nation's political landscape, profoundly influencing the trajectory of the 2026 presidential election. Uribe Turbay, a prominent figure in the uribista Centro Democrático party and a pre-candidate for the presidency, was critically wounded in a June 7, 2025, attack in Bogotá. He succumbed to his injuries over two months later, on August 11, sending shockwaves through the country.

The Fiscalía General de la Nación has made significant progress in the investigation, arresting nine individuals. Four have already been convicted, including the teenager directly responsible for firing the shots. Evidence presented in court suggests that the attack was ordered by the Segunda Marquetalia, a major dissident faction of the former FARC guerrilla group. This revelation underscores the persistent security threats posed by armed groups in certain regions of Colombia.

According to Professor Yann Basset of the Universidad del Rosario, the assassination served as a stark security alert for the presidential campaign, creating significant tension. While no further serious attacks on candidates occurred during the campaign, the event highlighted the precarious security situation in parts of the country. Uribe Turbay was considered a leading contender within his party, and his death dealt a severe blow to the Centro Democrático, exposing internal party divisions and impacting their subsequent electoral performance.