Assassination Plot Unveiled: $1 Billion Bounty for Colombia's Uribe!

Bogotá, Colombia - On July 12, 2025, the General Prosecutor’s Office in Colombia revealed shocking details regarding the failed assassination of Miguel Uribe Turbay, a prominent presidential candidate. The incident occurred on June 7, when Uribe was shot while delivering a speech in a Bogotá park. Elder José Arteaga Hernández, known by the alias „Costeño,“ has been identified as the mastermind behind this violent act, which is further complicating Colombia’s already tumultuous political landscape.

Arteaga, a figure with over 20 years of criminal history, confessed to receiving an offer of $1 billion to carry out the attack. However, he only received a mere $25 million, which he claimed was to secure an illegal weapon and pay off accomplices. To navigate potential legal repercussions, he intended for the attack to be carried out by a minor, revealing a chilling calculation behind the crime. This shocking twist highlights the lengths to which individuals may go to manipulate young lives for their own ends.

Details of the Attack

Reports from Infobae indicate that the goal was to evade harsher penalties by employing a young assailant. Katerine Martínez, another participant in this dark plot, testified that Arteaga was actively seeking a boy aged between 14 and 15 to execute the attack. It’s harrowing to think that such youthful innocence could be exploited for violent motives.

The weapon in question, a modified Glock 9mm, was intended to ensure lethal effectiveness. Arteaga allegedly coerced the minor into carrying out the shooting under the false promise of safety post-attack. Authorities quickly traced Arteaga’s actions through various transactions made using Nequi, including a payment for the minor’s food just minutes before the assassination attempt.

In connection to this crime, Arteaga faces multiple charges, including attempted aggravated homicide, manufacturing and trafficking firearms, and using minors to commit crimes. Colombian authorities even issued an Interpol red notice for his arrest prior to capturing him, which showcases the seriousness with which they are treating this case.

A Broader Context of Political Violence

The assassination attempt against Uribe is not an isolated incident; rather, it highlights a disturbing trend in Colombian politics. Historically, Colombia has a dark track record with political violence, especially against presidential candidates. As detailed by EBSCO, the violence is often tied to drug cartels and insurgent groups, with high-profile figures like Luis Carlos Galán and Carlos Pizarro meeting tragic ends during their campaigns.

The environment of fear and violence against political figures is palpable; Uribe, a vocal critic of current President Gustavo Petro, has faced condemnation not just domestically but also from international figures, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio pointed to “violent leftist rhetoric” from the Colombian government as a possible backdrop to this attack, raising questions about the safety and ethical conduct of political discourse in the nation.

The Aftermath and Continuing Investigations

Following the shooting, Uribe has endured multiple surgeries and remains in intensive care, his political aspirations hanging in the balance. The incident has left two others injured and deepened the national discussion surrounding political safety and the influence of organized crime in elections. The motive for this shocking attack is under further investigation. Moreover, Arteaga may also face scrutiny for his alleged connection to the murder of Mexican businessman Horacio Pérez Ledezma, echoing skills employed in the Uribe attack.

As Colombia moves towards the 2026 presidential election, the question looms large: How will this violent incident shape the political landscape? One thing is clear: the road to political stability in Colombia is fraught with challenges, and the citizens continue to bear the heavy burden of this tumultuous history.