On June 7, 2025, the Colombian political landscape was shaken when Miguel Uribe Turbay, a senator and presidential precandidate for the Centro Democrático party, survived a brutal assassination attempt in Bogotá. The attack, carried out by a 14-year-old minor, has since unraveled a complex web of criminal coordination, prompting a nationwide outcry and a determined response from authorities.
The minor chosen for the assassination attempt was no random pick. According to detailed investigations, he was selected precisely because of his troubled background, marked by family problems and addictions, making him vulnerable to manipulation. The young assailant confessed that he was promised 20 million pesos for the job, a sum he accepted without knowing the target. His role was to execute the shooting, but he soon realized he was a pawn in a deadly game.
Captured immediately after the attack, the minor was found shouting, "I will give you the numbers. Let me get up and give you the numbers. If you don't free me, I need to give you the numbers." This plea became a critical lead for investigators. President Gustavo Petro highlighted a video where the minor stated that the order came from "the olla," a term referring to a local drug gang or criminal group.
The judicial process to document the minor’s testimony was conducted in two sessions, the first taking place in the intensive care unit of Clínica Colombia, where the boy was hospitalized after being violently beaten by civilians during his capture. Recognizing the value of his cooperation, authorities have taken extraordinary steps to protect him and his family. Prosecutor Luz Adriana Camargo announced the inclusion of the minor’s family in the witness protection program, with measures such as potential name changes, economic support, and relocation. The Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (ICBF) requested preventive internment for the minor at the Fiscalía's bunker to ensure his safety.
The minor revealed that the operation was orchestrated by "the boss of the barrio and the head of the olla," a powerful figure in his neighborhood who commands significant control. He described himself as a regular drug consumer and dealer working for this boss, emphasizing that only a few had direct access to the leader. The minor recounted how he was approached and offered the job, receiving instructions on the time, weapon, and location. Notably, he was transported to the attack site on a motorcycle hired through a transport app, with the fare already paid, highlighting the meticulous planning behind the attempt.
Upon arriving at the political rally in Modelia, western Bogotá, the minor admitted he did not know who Miguel Uribe Turbay was. He asked a woman in the crowd about the speaker's identity, and upon learning it was Uribe Turbay, he proceeded to shoot without hesitation. The minor later concluded that the plan included his death, as he was left alone amid the ensuing chaos and pursuit. "They were going to kill me in that job," he confessed, adding that he never received the promised payment, understanding that survival was never part of the plan.
Authorities corroborated the minor’s account with over a hundred video recordings from the scene, which helped clarify details and identify all involved parties. His testimony was precise enough to dismiss rumors and false leads circulating on social media. The president also noted that the minor spent four hours circling the park before the attack, communicating with people in a van and requesting a small money transfer via cellphone, underscoring the operation’s complexity.
Further investigations revealed a broader network behind the attack. The minor had boarded a gray vehicle moments before the shooting, accompanied by three key individuals: alias El Costeño, his partner, and the driver. The driver has been captured, judicialized, and is cooperating with justice, providing crucial information about the logistics of the crime. The vehicle was parked on Avenida Ferrocarril, just four blocks from the attack site, and the minor waited inside before executing the shooting.
Just before the attack, the minor approached a woman to inquire about the speaker at the rally. Unaware of the plot, she innocently identified Miguel Uribe Turbay, inadvertently signaling the minor to proceed. The woman later voluntarily presented herself to the Fiscalía, confirming her innocence and cooperation.
On June 14, 2025, authorities arrested Katerine Martínez in Florencia, Caquetá, suspected of complicity in the attack. A judge of guarantees supported her detention on June 15, and the Prosecutor's Office is expected to formally charge her on June 16. Martínez is alleged to have provided the weapon used by the minor. Alongside her, the driver of the gray vehicle was also detained, and efforts continue to apprehend alias El Costeño, believed to be the logistical coordinator of the assassination attempt.
The attack has sparked a powerful response from Colombian society. On June 15, the "Marcha del Silencio" (March of Silence) took place in 23 cities across the country, including Bogotá, Medellín, Barranquilla, Cali, Cúcuta, and Bucaramanga. Approximately 70,000 people gathered in Bogotá alone to condemn the violence and express solidarity with Uribe Turbay. The senator’s father, Miguel Uribe Londoño, expressed gratitude for the support and lamented the return of violence that has left his son fighting for his life.
Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized the commitment of the Fiscalía and Police to uncover all responsible parties behind the attack. He announced the activation of international cooperation channels with the United States, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates, acknowledging the transnational nature of criminal groups involved. Authorities have also offered a reward of 3,000 million pesos for information leading to the identification and capture of both the material and intellectual perpetrators.
As Miguel Uribe Turbay remains in critical condition at Fundación Santa Fe in Bogotá, the attack has laid bare the dangerous intersection of politics and organized crime in Colombia. The meticulous planning, use of a vulnerable minor, and involvement of multiple accomplices highlight the challenges facing the nation’s security forces. Yet, the swift response by the justice system, the mobilization of citizens, and international cooperation signal a robust determination to uphold democracy and bring those responsible to justice.
In the midst of uncertainty and tension, the story of the young assailant turned key witness offers a glimpse into the dark realities of criminal manipulation and the hope for accountability. His courage in testifying, despite the risks to himself and his family, has become a pivotal element in the unfolding investigation, underscoring the complex human dimensions behind the headlines.
