Colombian authorities have announced a significant breakthrough in the attempted assassination of senator Miguel Uribe Turbay. Police confirmed the capture of a fugitive suspected of orchestrating the June 7 gun attack. This arrest marks the fifth in the ongoing investigation into the high-profile crime that left the potential presidential candidate in critical condition. The suspect, identified as Elder Jose Arteaga, known by the alias ‘El Costeno’, is believed to be a key figure in planning and facilitating the violent act.
Mastermind Suspect Captured in Bogota Raid
The capture occurred on Saturday, July 6, during a morning raid. Armed officers apprehended Arteaga at a house in a western neighborhood of Bogota. This development follows the issuance of an Interpol red notice for his arrest just the day before. National Police Director Carlos Fernando Triana confirmed the arrest. He stated Arteaga is suspected of organizing and coordinating the shooting.
Arteaga allegedly played a direct role in the attack’s execution. Police accuse him of handing the gun to the 15-year-old charged with pulling the trigger. Director Triana highlighted Arteaga’s extensive criminal history. He has a record spanning more than two decades. Triana emphasized the police’s determination. Their next goal is to identify the “intellectual authors” behind this attempted killing.
The Shocking Attack on Senator Uribe
The attack on Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay took place on June 7, 2025. It occurred during a campaign event in Bogota. Uribe, a 39-year-old conservative opposition figure, was shot multiple times. State prosecutors reported he was hit twice in the head and once in his left leg. The injuries were severe, leaving him in critical condition. He has since undergone several serious surgeries.
Senator Uribe is a pre-candidate for the presidency. He belongs to the Democratic Center party. His political standing makes the attack particularly alarming. It raised concerns about political violence in Colombia. The incident drew immediate national and international attention.
Hunt for the ‘Intellectual Authors’ Intensifies
With Arteaga’s capture, the focus sharpens on who ordered the attack. Director Triana stated police are exploring several theories. They are determined to find those ultimately responsible. Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez described the crime as operating under a “model of criminal outsourcing.” This suggests the triggerman and organizers were hired.
A substantial reward has been offered. Up to 3 billion pesos (over $750,000 USD) is available. This is for information leading to the masterminds’ identification and capture. The investigation is receiving international assistance. The United States, United Kingdom, and United Arab Emirates are collaborating. Their support underscores the gravity of the crime.
Previous Arrests and Teenage Shooter’s Claim
Prior to Arteaga, four other suspects were arrested. This included the alleged 15-year-old shooter. He was detained minutes after the attack. A verified video shows the teenager shouting after his arrest. He claimed he had been hired by a local drug dealer. This suggested a link to organized crime early on.
The teenager has been formally charged. He faces counts including attempted murder. However, he pleaded “not guilty” to the charges. As a minor, he faces a maximum of eight years in a rehabilitation center if convicted. The investigation continues to probe the extent of his involvement and who hired him.
Elder Jose Arteaga’s Alleged Role and Background
Authorities view Elder Jose Arteaga as a crucial link. He is believed to be more than just an organizer. Investigators suspect he is a leader with significant criminal experience. Latin America Reports detail Arteaga’s alleged background. He is described as a former hair salon owner. Yet, he reportedly has ties to drug trafficking and hit squads.
Arteaga, also known as ‘Chipi’, is considered a career criminal. He allegedly served time in prison previously. There, he reportedly befriended William González. González is now in custody. He is suspected of being a co-organizer and getaway driver for the attack. Testimony from other captured gang members suggests Arteaga’s importance. They named him as their leader in the Modelia neighborhood. He was allegedly responsible for recruiting and briefing the team. Director Triana noted Arteaga’s proven criminal capacity. He reportedly organizes operations involving multiple individuals.
Evidence Suggests Planned Contract Killing
Evidence uncovered points to a sophisticated, planned operation. Colombia’s Chief Prosecutor, Luz Adriana Camargo, stated this clearly. She indicated strong evidence of a politically motivated act. Preparatory activities were reportedly extensive. Security camera footage allegedly shows gang members scouting the location days before. They were also present with the gunman moments prior to the shooting.
Testimony filtered to local media suggests a significant payment. The gang was allegedly hired for 700 million pesos (around US$175,000). The operation involved a division of labor. Members had specific roles like look-outs and drivers. The weapon itself was telling. A 9mm Glock was used. It was reportedly modified for rapid burst fire. Modified ammunition was also used. These characteristics are often seen in contract killings. The pistol was reportedly purchased legally in the United States in 2020.
Political Context and Underlying Tensions
The attack on Senator Uribe occurred within a complex political environment. Uribe is a vocal critic of President Gustavo Petro’s security strategy. He has argued that pausing offensives against armed groups has failed. Uribe had reportedly requested increased security personnel before the attack. He had government bodyguards present, but his lawyer stated more had been sought.
President Petro has broadly attributed the attack to an international crime ring. Interior Minister Armando Benedetti suggested a possible link to rebel groups involved in drug trafficking. The attack also occurred on the same day as other violence in southwest Colombia. Army and police linked that violence to FARC splinter groups. The minister hinted at a potential connection via drug trafficking funding.
Senator Uribe comes from a prominent political lineage. His grandfather, Julio Cesar Turbay, was president from 1978 to 1982. His mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was killed in 1991. She died in a botched rescue attempt after being kidnapped. The group was led by drug lord Pablo Escobar. This history adds another layer to the attack’s political backdrop.
Significance of Arteaga’s Capture
The capture of Elder Jose Arteaga is considered vital. Investigators believe he is a critical link. He could help identify the “intellectual and financial backers.” His arrest is seen as a potential breakthrough. The identity of the mastermind remains unknown. Speculation has been widespread in the media.
Arteaga’s public image reportedly contrasts sharply with his alleged criminal life. He was known as a hairdresser. He posted seemingly innocuous photos online. However, authorities describe an extensive criminal background. Arteaga reportedly has connections outside Bogota. These include areas known for dissident guerrilla groups and drug gangs. Such connections could have provided potential hideouts. His capture represents a major step forward. It potentially brings authorities closer to uncovering the full truth behind the attack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the main suspect recently captured in connection with the Senator Uribe shooting?
The main suspect captured is Elder Jose Arteaga, also known by the alias ‘El Costeno’. Colombian police arrested him in a raid in Bogota. Authorities allege he was a key organizer and coordinator of the shooting attack on Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay on June 7, 2025. He is accused of roles including facilitating the crime and allegedly providing the weapon used.
What is the significance of Senator Miguel Uribe in Colombian politics?
Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay is a 39-year-old politician from the conservative opposition Democratic Center party. At the time of the attack, he was a potential pre-candidate for the upcoming presidential election. His political status, coupled with his vocal criticism of the current government’s security policies and his family’s prominent political history (including a former president grandfather), makes the attack highly significant and politically charged.
What is the current status of the investigation into the attack’s masterminds?
The investigation is actively seeking the “intellectual authors” who ordered the attempted killing. Police Director Carlos Fernando Triana has confirmed this is the focus. Authorities are exploring various theories, including a “criminal outsourcing” model. A large reward is offered for information. International partners are assisting. The recent capture of Elder Jose Arteaga is seen as potentially crucial to identifying these masterminds, as he is considered a vital link in the criminal operation.
The capture of ‘El Costeno’ marks a critical point in the investigation into the shooting of Senator Miguel Uribe. While five arrests have been made, including the alleged triggerman and the now-captured alleged organizer, the identity of those who ordered the attack remains a key mystery. Authorities, supported by international partners and a substantial reward, are intensifying their efforts to uncover the full network behind this high-profile attempted assassination, which has shaken Colombia’s political landscape.
