The recent attack on Miguel Uribe Turbay, a senator and presidential hopeful, has sparked outrage within his family. Uribe, currently in critical condition after being shot in the head, may have avoided such a fate had his security been improved, claims his family. On Monday, their lawyer, Víctor Mosquera, filed a complaint against Augusto Rodríguez, the leader of the National Protection Unit (UNP), for allegedly dismissing numerous requests to bolster Uribe's security detail.

In the year 2023, the UNP identified Uribe as facing "extraordinary risk." However, by 2024, despite his official candidacy for the presidency in October, his security was not upgraded. "This omission is grave, as it left him vulnerable," Mosquera emphasized during a press briefing. "As early as June 5, it was clear that enhanced security was needed," he added, just days after Uribe was attacked during an impromptu rally in Bogotá.

In a conversation with Noticias Caracol, Rodríguez acknowledged the inadequacies in Uribe's security. "He has seven bodyguards and two armored vehicles, which is insufficient for a presidential candidate," Rodríguez admitted, although he denied any unaddressed protection requests.

Documents shared by W Radio reveal that Uribe frequently informed the UNP of his travel plans as a senator, requesting logistical support rather than additional security. The attack occurred last Saturday in a Bogotá park, where a young assailant, mingling with the crowd, shot Uribe from behind, injuring his head and leg. The shooter, a 15-year-old, was legally detained and faces charges of attempted murder and illegal firearm possession.

Uribe's attorney, Mosquera, urged the Attorney General's Office to pursue a new avenue of investigation, considering if state negligence left Uribe defenseless. Prosecutor General Luz Adriana Camargo mentioned no prior threat reports against Uribe had been filed. President Gustavo Petro announced an investigation into potential infiltrations within Uribe's security detail.

The Centro Democrático party, Uribe's political affiliation, accused the UNP of consistent negligence in addressing security needs. "Given the escalating threats, an urgent and effective response is necessary," stated party leader Gabriel Jaime Vallejo Chujfi in a letter to Rodríguez.

The Attorney General's Office has confirmed that Rodríguez will be questioned to clarify the security methodology applied to Uribe Turbay and how it was executed.