Gunmen shot and critically wounded Colombian Sen. Miguel Uribe Turbay, a future presidential candidate last week during a campaign rally in Bogotá, Colombia.
Armed assailants entered the park where the rally was taking place and shot Uribe from behind.
Uribe, who announced his presidential bid in March, was accompanied by a team of 21 people at the time of the shooting including councilman Andres Barrios, according to his office.
U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, (R-FL), released a statement responding to the reports over the attack.
“Reports of opposition leader Miguel Uribe being shot are deeply concerning," stated. Sen. Scott.
“Petro must do everything in his power to ensure the safety of ALL citizens. Violence against political leaders is a direct threat to democracy. It must NEVER be tolerated, especially against Álvaro Uribe, who has been threatened repeatedly. I fully condemn this evil attack and expect whoever did this to be brought to justice.” Scott said.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also condemned the attack stating, “This is a direct threat to democracy and the result of the violent leftist rhetoric coming from the highest levels of the Colombian government.” and that President Petro should “dial back the inflammatory rhetoric and protect Colombian officials.”
U.S. Rep Maria Elvira Salazar, (R-FL), was “horrified by the attack against Colombia’s presidential candidate Miguel Uribe.” and claims the attack as a “violent and despicable act that is nothing less than a direct assault on democracy and on the right of Colombians to choose their own future.”
Salazar closes her statement by offering her full support and solidarity with Uribe’s family and with the Colombian people.
“I stand in full solidarity with Miguel, his loved ones, and all those in Colombia who refuse to be silenced by fear.” said Salazar.
Colombian authorities were successful in apprehending one of the assailants responsible for the shooting. Police arrested a 15-year-old boy at the scene with a firearm and are treating him for a leg injury.
Emergency responders rushed Uribe to Santa Fe Foundation Hospital, where doctors admitted him in "critical condition" and performed a "neurosurgical and peripheral vascular procedure", according to Sky News.
