Shooting at Campaign Event for Presidential Candidate Uribe Raises Concerns About Safety in Colombia

Miguel Uribe Turbay (1986–2025) was a prominent Colombian politician known for his conservative stance and leadership roles at both local and national levels. Born in Bogotá into a politically and journalistically influential family—he was the grandson of former President Julio César Turbay Ayala and son of journalist Diana Turbay—he pursued studies in law and public policy at the University of the Andes and Harvard University. Uribe began his political career at age 25 when elected to Bogotá's City Council in 2012. He quickly gained recognition, being named "revelation councillor of the year" and later elected president of the council. He was a vocal critic of Bogotá's then-mayor Gustavo Petro. From 2016 to 2018, he served as Bogotá’s Secretary of Government under Mayor Enrique Peñalosa, becoming the youngest person to hold that position. During his tenure, Bogotá saw a slight decrease in homicide rates, though concerns about rising thefts and insecurity persisted. In 2022, Uribe was elected as a Senator representing the Democratic Centre party, becoming the most voted senator on an open list nationwide. He was a leading opposition voice against the leftist government of President Gustavo Petro, focusing on security, press freedom, and the protection of entrepreneurs. In March 2025, he announced his pre-candidacy for the 2026 presidential election within his party. On June 7, 2025, during a political rally in Bogotá’s Fontibón district, Uribe survived a serious assassination attempt when a 15-year-old assailant shot him multiple times. Despite critical injuries and surgery, he remained a significant figure until his death later in 2025. He was married to María Claudia Tarazona and had a son, Alejandro. His family history was marked by tragedy, as his mother was killed in a 1991 kidnapping linked to Pablo Escobar’s cartel[1][2][3][4][6][8].

Carlos Fernando Galán is a Colombian politician, journalist, and public servant known for his work in government transparency and anti-corruption efforts. He graduated from Georgetown University with a focus on International Economics and studied government and public affairs at the Externado de Colombia University. He also pursued postgraduate studies in International Affairs at Columbia University. Galán worked as a correspondent and editor for prominent Colombian publications such as Semana, Cambio, and El Tiempo, where his investigative journalism contributed to uncovering political scandals, including the parapolitics crisis[3][4]. In politics, Galán served as a Councilor of Bogotá, winning the largest vote in the city's history for that position. He became a notable opponent of corruption, exposing irregularities in public contracting and helping to uncover the Carousel of Contracting scandal. He was twice recognized as the best Councilor in Bogotá and was named the Most Outstanding Councilor by local journalists[3][4]. In 2011, he ran for Mayor of Bogotá, securing a significant number of votes, though not winning the office. Galán also worked internationally at the Organization of American States (OAS) as an advisor to then-Secretary General César Gaviria between 2001 and 2003, focusing on democratic processes and election observation in Latin America[3][4]. In 2012, he was appointed Colombia’s Secretary of Anti-Corruption and Transparency by President Juan Manuel Santos, a newly created role aimed at combating corruption at the national level. In 2013, he became president of the Radical Change Party and led its Senate list for the 2014 elections[3][4]. Carlos Fernando Galán remains an influential figure in Colombian politics and governance, recognized for his dedication to transparency, democratic strengthening, and journalistic integrity. His career reflects a blend of media expertise and political activism centered on fighting corruption and promoting accountability[3][4].