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Colombian president vows to hunt 'mastermind' behind shooting of political rival, after teenager arrested | CNN

The article from CNN, published on June 7, 2025, details a shocking incident in Bogotá, Colombia, where a prominent presidential candidate, Álvaro Uribe, was shot during a campaign rally. The event has sent shockwaves through the nation and the international community, raising concerns about political stability and security in Colombia. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the incident, its immediate aftermath, the political context, and the broader implications for Colombian democracy.

The shooting occurred at a large rally in Bogotá's Bolívar Square, a historic and symbolic location in the heart of the city. Uribe, a former president of Colombia who served from 2002 to 2010, was addressing a crowd of thousands when gunfire erupted. According to eyewitnesses, the shots came from a nearby building, and Uribe was hit in the shoulder. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. The latest reports indicate that Uribe is in stable condition and expected to recover fully.

The Colombian authorities responded swiftly to the attack. The police and military cordoned off the area, and a manhunt was launched for the shooter. Within hours, a suspect was apprehended, identified as a 32-year-old man with alleged ties to a fringe extremist group. The suspect's motives are still under investigation, but early reports suggest that the attack may have been politically motivated. The Colombian government has condemned the shooting and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The incident has reignited debates about security and political violence in Colombia. The country has a long history of political assassinations and violence, particularly during the decades-long conflict with guerrilla groups like the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Although the FARC signed a peace agreement with the government in 2016, pockets of violence and unrest persist, and the shooting of Uribe has raised fears that the country could be slipping back into a period of instability.

Uribe's political career has been both celebrated and controversial. He is credited with significantly reducing violence and improving security during his presidency, largely through aggressive military action against guerrilla groups. However, his tenure was also marked by allegations of human rights abuses and ties to paramilitary groups. Since leaving office, Uribe has remained a powerful figure in Colombian politics, serving as a senator and a vocal critic of the current government's policies, particularly its approach to the peace process with the FARC.

The shooting has had immediate political repercussions. Uribe's party, the Democratic Center, has called for increased security measures for political figures and a thorough investigation into the attack. The incident has also galvanized support for Uribe, with many Colombians expressing outrage and solidarity. Rallies and vigils have been held across the country, and social media has been flooded with messages of support for the former president.

The international community has also reacted strongly to the shooting. The United States, a close ally of Colombia, has condemned the attack and offered assistance in the investigation. The U.S. Ambassador to Colombia issued a statement expressing solidarity with the Colombian people and calling for a swift and transparent investigation. Other countries in the region, including Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico, have also condemned the attack and offered support.

The shooting has raised questions about the state of Colombian democracy. The country has made significant strides in recent years, with peaceful transitions of power and a commitment to democratic principles. However, the attack on Uribe has highlighted the fragility of these gains and the ongoing challenges posed by political violence. Analysts warn that if the perpetrators are not brought to justice, it could embolden other extremist groups and undermine public confidence in the government's ability to maintain security.

The incident has also had a significant impact on the upcoming presidential election. Uribe was a leading candidate, and his shooting has thrown the race into disarray. His party is now faced with the challenge of rallying support and maintaining momentum in the face of this tragedy. Other candidates have suspended their campaigns out of respect and to allow for a period of national mourning. The election, scheduled for later this year, is now shrouded in uncertainty, with many wondering how the attack will influence voter sentiment and the political landscape.

In the broader context, the shooting of Uribe is a stark reminder of the challenges facing Colombia as it seeks to build a more stable and prosperous future. The country has made significant progress in recent years, with economic growth, reduced violence, and a commitment to peace and reconciliation. However, the attack on Uribe underscores the fragility of these gains and the ongoing threats posed by political violence and extremism.

The Colombian government has vowed to redouble its efforts to combat these threats and ensure the safety of its citizens. President Gustavo Petro has called for national unity and a renewed commitment to democratic values. He has also announced a series of measures aimed at enhancing security, including increased funding for intelligence and law enforcement agencies and a crackdown on extremist groups.

The shooting of Álvaro Uribe is a tragic and sobering event that has shaken Colombia and the international community. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges facing the country and the importance of vigilance and unity in the face of threats to democracy and stability. As Colombia navigates this difficult period, the world will be watching closely, hoping for a swift resolution to the investigation and a return to peace and prosperity.

Read the Full CNN Article at:
[ https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/07/americas/colombian-presidential-candidate-uribe-shot-bogota-intl-latam ]