Colombian authorities have announced the arrest of Élder José Arteaga Hernandez, whom they allege masterminded the assassination attempt on Miguel Uribe, a senator and presidential hopeful. This violent incident occurred at a political rally in Bogotá on June 7, where Uribe was shot twice in the head while campaigning for the 2026 presidential election. Currently, the senator remains in a critical condition as the investigation unfolds.
Arteaga, who has a notorious criminal background, is suspected of having enlisted a 15-year-old to carry out the attack. Police had already made four arrests in connection with the case, including the teenager, who was apprehended fleeing from the crime scene and has entered a plea of not guilty.
Colombian police chief Carlos Fernando Triana provided details on Arteaga's criminal history, highlighting charges including "aggravated attempted homicide" and "use of minors for the commission of crimes." According to law enforcement, Arteaga orchestrated the assault, hired the gunman, and supplied the weapon used in the shooting.
The assault on Uribe has caused widespread unrest in Colombia; following the incident, tens of thousands of citizens participated in silent protests, demanding safety for politicians and a reduction in violence in the country. Miguel Uribe, who emerged as a contender for next year’s election, has a deep-rooted political background, coming from a notable family within Colombia's Liberal Party. His mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was tragically killed in 1991 during a rescue attempt after being kidnapped by the notorious Medellin drugs cartel.
