UPDATE: U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau confirmed he will attend the memorial service for Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, who tragically died from gunshot wounds sustained during a campaign event in June. This urgent visit to Bogota comes amid escalating tensions between the Trump administration and Colombia.
Senator Uribe, a prominent conservative figure, was shot in the head while advocating against left-wing President Gustavo Petro. His death is raising alarms over the safety of right-wing politicians in the region. Landau stated, “You can’t have democracy if basically anybody who’s right of center becomes a subject of assassination attempts or outright assassination,” during a recent episode of Donald Trump Jr.‘s podcast, Triggered.
Landau’s attendance on August 12 signals the U.S. commitment to addressing the alarming trend of violence against political figures. Colombian authorities have arrested six suspects linked to Uribe’s assassination but have yet to identify a gunman or a clear motive, according to The New York Times.
President Petro, who previously faced criticism from the U.S., denied any governmental involvement in Uribe’s murder, suggesting that the situation is being politicized for ulterior motives. He stated, “There is not a single piece of evidence in the investigation that even suggests that the government is responsible for the murder of Senator Miguel Uribe.”
The backdrop for this memorial is fraught with geopolitical tension. The Trump administration is intensifying its focus on Latin America, particularly regarding drug cartels in Mexico and the controversial regime of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who is under investigation for allegations of drug trafficking. The U.S. has placed a $50 million reward for Maduro’s arrest and conviction.
Landau’s visit underscores a renewed urgency from Washington to engage more deeply with its neighbors. As the political climate shifts, the implications of Uribe’s death and the ongoing violence against right-wing candidates could reshape U.S.-Colombian relations.
As the memorial approaches, eyes will be on both Landau’s statements and the Colombian government’s response. The international community is watching closely as these developments unfold.
