The events that took place in Bogota, the capital of Colombia, on June 7, 2025, went down in history as a turning point that reverberated throughout the country’s politics.[1] Colombia has been the scene of systematic political violence since the mid-20th century. The assassination of presidential candidate Luis Carlos Galan in 1989, the rise of guerrilla and paramilitary groups in the 1990s, and the kidnapping and murder of journalist Diana Turbay by a group led by Pablo Escobar are among the events that have left a deep mark on the country’s memory. Interestingly, Diana Turbay was also the mother of Miguel Uribe Turbay. In this sense, the incident is interpreted not only as an individual attack but also as the tragic continuation of a family drama intertwined with politics in Colombia.
The fact that the attack took place during a public election event and at a location quite close to the center of the capital points to inadequate security measures. President Gustavo Petro’s statement after the attack, in which he canceled his visit to France and said, “The security of all presidential candidates is the responsibility of the state,” shows that this responsibility has finally been recognized, albeit belatedly.[2] However, the issue is not limited to providing individual protection. The real question is why political participation in Colombia still carries a deadly risk.
In this context, the fact that the attack was carried out by a young person reveals that armed actors can still instrumentalize children and that political manipulation continues throughout the country not only through the media but also through direct violence.
After the attack, almost all political parties and leaders issued a joint statement condemning it, emphasizing that it targeted democracy. This solidarity was a rare moment of unity in Colombia’s political arena. However, as has historically been the case, such events can also fuel polarization in society. If it turns out that there was an organizational structure behind the attack, the accusations could reverberate across broader ideological fronts.
Miguel Uribe Turbay’s position as a center-right politician and his previous statements emphasizing security, strengthening institutions, and fighting corruption have made him a symbol not only of the elections but also of demands for institutional reform. Therefore, this attack can be interpreted as more than just targeting an individual; it can also be seen as a threat to the political line he represents.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s description of the incident as a “direct attack on democracy” shows that it has caused international repercussions.[3] Similarly, countries such as Chile, Ecuador, and Spain have made similar statements and expressed solidarity with Colombia. These statements show that threats to democratic processes on a regional scale have become so globalized that they can no longer be explained solely by local dynamics.
Considering the wave of political violence that has been on the rise across Latin America in recent years, it is clear that such attacks are not isolated incidents but rather the result of a structural climate of insecurity. The assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio in Ecuador in 2023 is a case in point.
The fact that the perpetrator of the attack was only 15 years old highlights how vulnerable young people in Colombia are to ideological radicalization. This situation shows that we are facing not only an individual but also a structural social problem. Inadequacies in education, employment, and social protection are the main reasons driving young people toward armed groups. In this context, the attack symbolizes the risk of the vulnerability of the young population turning into violence. It is imperative that youth policies be prioritized for social peace.
The young age of the attacker brings to mind the “hitman” model popularized by illegal groups in Medellin in the 1980s and 90s. At that time, criminal organizations used young people for assassinations through money, status, or bullying, thus covering their tracks and creating a society of fear. A political attack carried out using a similar method today is seen as a sign that Colombia has not fully escaped this dark legacy. This situation is not only a matter of security but also one of confronting social memory and justice.
In Colombia, the security paradigm has long been defined in terms of military power. However, this attack has revealed the need for individual protection and intelligence mechanisms to be made more sensitive and multi-layered. In a democratic state, security means not only “repression” but also the effective operation of ‘foresight’ and “prevention” mechanisms. This incident is clear evidence that the security state can no longer rely on traditional methods. The new security doctrine must be shaped in a way that both protects civil rights and effectively safeguards political actors.
Attacks on political figures target not only candidates but also voters. The attack on Uribe Turbay could create fear and hesitation in the election atmosphere. In particular, the political participation of undecided voters could be disrupted, and there could be significant reservations about rallies and public events. This situation indirectly harms democracy by overshadowing the freedom of elections. It is imperative that the state provide guarantees of transparency and security in order to rebuild voter confidence.
Uribe Turbay’s health condition remains serious. While he fights for his life, the political movement around him is trying to shape his future. As the election process approaches, this incident has served as a warning sign for other candidates in Colombia, and increased security measures have been brought to the agenda.
However, the main impact of this incident will be felt in the Colombian people’s belief in democracy. Assassination attempts against politicians may discourage the public from participating in the electoral process and make it difficult to hold political debates in public spaces. If the state fails to identify the actors behind this attack and take the necessary measures, this incident could lead to a broader crisis of confidence.
In conclusion, the assassination attempt on Uribe Turbay is not only indicative of a security breach, but also of how fragile the social contract necessary for the stability of democracy is. The path Colombia chooses to follow in the wake of this incident could directly affect not only the 2026 elections, but also the country’s democratic future.
[1] Mao, Frances, and Ian Aikman. “Colombia Presidential Hopeful Shot in Head at Rally”, BBC News, www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9dq8yxxy8zo, (Accessed Date: 06.15.2025).
[2] “Colombian senator and would‑be presidential candidate is shot and wounded at Bogota rally”, AP News, https://apnews.com/article/colombia-senator-candidate-shot-57acb233e6057a81a42a5fd4d1228684, (Accessed Date: 06.15.2025).
[3] Ibid.
