Colombian police have apprehended the alleged mastermind behind the assassination attempt on a presidential candidate during a rally last month.
Miguel Uribe, a conservative senator, was shot twice in the head in Bogotá while campaigning for his party’s nomination in the 2026 presidential election.
Police apprehended a suspected criminal, Élder José Arteaga Hernandez, who they say convinced a 15-year-old to commit the attack. Four other persons had previously been apprehended, including the youngster accused of shooting Uribe.
Uribe remains in critical condition. The motivation for his assassination attempt on June 7th is unclear.
Colombian police chief Carlos Fernando Triana stated on Friday that Arteaga had a lengthy criminal record and was wanted for “aggravated attempted homicide” and “use of minors for the commission of crimes” in connection with the attack on Uribe.
Police believe he planned the attack, hired the gunman, and furnished him with a weapon.
Arteaga, also known as Chipi and Costeño, was earlier accused of being near the Bogotá park where Uribe was shot.
The 15-year-old suspect was detained while fleeing the scene. He later entered a not guilty plea, according to the prosecutor’s office.
Uribe, a critic of left-wing President Gustavo Petro, confirmed his candidature for next year’s presidential election in October. The 39-year-old has served as a senator since 2022.
He comes from a renowned political family with ties to Colombia’s Liberal Party. His father was a union leader and businessman.
His mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was slain in 1991 during a rescue attempt after being kidnapped by the Medellin drug gang.
Tens of thousands of Colombians attended silent protests following the 7 June attack.
