Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Shows Signs of Recovery After Attack

Colombian senator and presidential candidate Miguel Uribe is demonstrating signs of recovery five weeks after surviving an assassination attempt. The clinic treating him reported on July 14, 2023, that Uribe, aged 39, is experiencing a “favourable and stable clinical response” to ongoing treatment, although he remains sedated and on a ventilator.

On June 7, a 15-year-old suspected hitman opened fire during a campaign speech in Bogotá, critically injuring Uribe by striking him twice in the head and once in the leg. Following the attack, he underwent emergency surgery to address internal bleeding and has since been in intensive care. The clinic indicated that Uribe is expected to begin neurorehabilitation to aid his recovery from traumatic brain injuries.

Assailants Arrested Amid National Security Concerns

Authorities have apprehended five individuals connected to the attack, including the teenage shooter and one suspected mastermind. The incident has intensified scrutiny surrounding Colombia’s security landscape, particularly as President Gustavo Petro‘s “total peace” strategy has faced challenges in reducing violence. Armed groups continue to vie for control over drug trafficking routes and illegal mining territories, contributing to a broader security crisis in the nation.

Uribe’s wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona, spoke to Caracol Television on Sunday, expressing the emotional toll of her husband’s fluctuating condition. “It changes so quickly and is so difficult that I don’t even ask what will happen tomorrow,” she stated. Tarazona emphasized her hope, saying, “I see Miguel alive, his body warm, his heart beating, his breathing… and that’s what I hold onto every day.”

The assault on Uribe, a prominent conservative figure and opposition leader, underscores the escalating public safety concerns in Colombia as the nation approaches its next election cycle. The political atmosphere remains tense, further complicated by ongoing violence and instability in various regions.

As the recovery process continues, the focus remains on both Uribe’s health and the broader implications of these events for Colombian society and governance.