Colombia Presidential candidate shot in head: Miguel Uribe undergoes successful initial surgery; condition 'grave', say medics

A leading Colombian presidential hopeful, critically wounded and battling for survival in hospital after a young assailant shot him twice in the head, remains critical as he underwent initial surgery.Right-wing Senator Miguel Uribe, aged 39, underwent urgent surgery following Saturday's attack at a Bogota campaign rally, but medical staff indicate his condition remains critical. The Santa Fe Clinic medical team stated he continues in "the most grave condition and the prognosis is reserved", reported AFP.The shooting has deeply unsettled Colombia, where citizens thought the era of political and drug-related violence was behind them.

Citizens gathered in major metropolitan areas on Sunday for candlelight vigils, prayers and to express their outrage."Our hearts are broken, Colombia hurts," said Carolina Gomez, a 41-year-old businesswoman, whilst lighting candles outside Uribe's hospital. Supporters united in chanting "strength to you Miguel" and "the people are with you."Maria Claudia Tarazona, Uribe's spouse, expressed gratitude for the national support and requested collective prayers.

"He is fighting hard for his life," she said. The senator sustained two head wounds and one leg injury.Despite the alleged shooter's capture by security personnel, the attack's motivation remains unclear.Uribe had been outspoken against Colombia's leftist administration, active guerrilla groups and influential drug cartels.Authorities promised to utilise all available resources to investigate the motive and identify those responsible for orchestrating the attack.

Officials confirmed no specific threats existed against Uribe, though he maintained security protection like other public figures.The Senator's family narrative reflects Colombia's troubled past, making this incident particularly significant. His grandfather, former president Julio Cesar Turbay, governed from 1978-1982 during guerrilla conflicts and cartel expansion. Uribe is notably the son of Diana Turbay, a renowned journalist whose death by Pablo Escobar's kidnapping devastated Colombia.Meanwhile, Colombia's Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez announced Sunday that approximately 100 investigators are examining the attack's motive. He previously announced a reward of roughly US$725,000 for crucial information about the perpetrators.Police director Carlos Fernando Triana reported the suspect, believed to be 15, was injured and receiving treatment. Two additional casualties were reported, and authorities seized a Glock-style weapon.Politicians across ideological lines have denounced the attack. President Gustavo Petro, a leftist, condemned it as "an attack not only against his person, but also against democracy, freedom of thought, and the legitimate exercise of politics in Colombia."International condemnation followed, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio describing it as "a direct threat to democracy."However, Rubio criticised Petro, suggesting "violent leftist rhetoric coming from the highest levels of the Colombian government" contributed to the attack. "President Petro needs to dial back the inflammatory rhetoric and protect Colombian officials," said the US diplomat.