Colombian Presidential Candidate Shot: Expert Links Attack to Drug Cartel Legacy

Pre-Candidate for Colombian Presidency Shot in Bogota; Expert Links Attack to Legacy of Cartel Violence Bogota, Colombia – On June 8th, 2025, Miguel Uribe, a pre-candidate for the Colombian presidency, was critically wounded in a shooting attack during a public event in Bogota. The incident has shocked the nation and raised concerns about the safety of political figures. Vitelio Brustolin, a professor of International Relations at the Federal Fluminense University (UFF), offered analysis of the attack, stating, "The audaciousness of the criminals is evident." He linked the incident to the long-standing problem of political violence in Colombia, rooted in the era of drug cartels. "The sense is that drug trafficking and violence have entrenched themselves within some states due to their economic and corrupt power," Brustolin explained, referencing the era of Pablo Escobar. While the motive remains under investigation, the attack underscores the ongoing challenges to democratic processes in Colombia. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and the need for continued efforts to combat organized crime and corruption. The nation awaits the full investigation into the incident and hopes for the pre-candidate's swift recovery.