Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, a leading presidential candidate for the 2026 elections, is in critical condition after being shot during a campaign rally in Bogotá on Saturday. Authorities have launched a full investigation into what officials are calling a politically motivated attack.

Uribe Turbay, 39, was struck twice in the back by gunfire while addressing supporters in a park in the Fontibón neighborhood. According to his party, the conservative Democratic Centre, the senator was quickly rushed to Fundación Santa Fe hospital, where he underwent emergency neurosurgery and vascular procedures.

“Miguel is fighting for his life,” wrote his wife, María Claudia Tarazona, in a message posted to the senator’s social media account. Two other individuals were injured in the incident.

The Attorney General’s Office confirmed the arrest of a 15-year-old suspect found at the scene in possession of a firearm. Authorities are working to determine whether the teenager acted alone or was part of a larger plot. The government has offered a reward for information leading to the capture of all those involved.

President Gustavo Petro condemned the attack, calling it a breach of Colombia’s democratic principles. “Respect for life is the red line,” Petro said on X (formerly Twitter), before cancelling a scheduled trip to France due to the seriousness of the situation. Following an emergency session of the Security Council Saturday night, Petro promised full transparency in the investigation and pledged to identify not only the perpetrators but also the masterminds behind the shooting.

The president also ordered a review of Uribe Turbay’s security arrangements to identify any possible lapses.

Uribe Turbay, a senator with the Democratic Centre—founded by former president Álvaro Uribe—is the son of journalist Diana Turbay, who was kidnapped and killed by drug cartels in 1991. He declared his presidential candidacy in March, positioning himself as a strong contender in Colombia’s next election, scheduled for May 31, 2026.

National Police Director General Carlos Triana stated that Uribe Turbay had been accompanied by Bogotá councillor Andrés Barrios and roughly 20 supporters at the time of the attack. The arrested suspect, who sustained a leg injury, remains in custody.

The attack has drawn swift condemnation across the region. Chilean President Gabriel Boric stated, “There is no space or justification for violence in a democracy,” while Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa declared, “We condemn all forms of violence and intolerance.” Both leaders expressed solidarity with Uribe Turbay’s family and the Colombian people.

President Donald Trump has ruled out any reconciliation with Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, amid an escalating political feud that now threatens to strain ties between the White House and one of America’s most high-profile business leaders.

In a phone interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker on Saturday, Trump made clear that his relationship with Musk is effectively over, following a week of public clashes over the administration’s latest budget proposal. When asked whether he saw any path to mending the rift, Trump responded, “I would assume so, yeah,” referring to a permanent split.

“I’m too busy doing other things,” the president said. “You know, I won an election in a landslide. I gave him a lot of breaks in my first administration and saved his life. I have no intention of speaking to him.”

Trump also delivered a pointed warning amid reports that Musk is considering supporting Democratic candidates in the 2026 midterm elections. “If he does, he’ll have to pay the consequences for that,” the president said, declining to elaborate. Musk’s companies hold numerous federal contracts, raising questions about how this tension might affect future dealings.

The falling-out follows Musk’s public condemnation of Trump’s proposed budget bill, which he described as a “disgusting abomination” on his social media platform, X. The Congressional Budget Office has projected the bill would increase the federal deficit by $2.4 trillion over ten years while cutting taxes and leaving millions without health insurance.

Tensions escalated further on social media as Trump defended what he called his “big beautiful bill,” prompting a series of sharp exchanges. Musk later suggested Trump should be impeached and alleged — without evidence — that the administration had covered up ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Musk deleted the tweet Saturday, drawing further attention to the volatile spat.

Vice President JD Vance attempted to cool the rhetoric in a separate interview, calling Musk “an incredible entrepreneur” but cautioning that his attacks on Trump were “a huge mistake.” Vance noted Musk’s frustration but expressed hope that reconciliation might still be possible. “Maybe that’s not possible now because he’s gone so nuclear,” Vance admitted.

Vance defended the budget bill, saying its main objective was to extend the 2017 Trump-era tax cuts, not slash spending. He praised Musk’s earlier government reform efforts, including the Department of Government Efficiency, as “really good,” despite the controversy.

As the feud continues to unfold, political observers are watching closely to see whether the rift will have broader implications for tech-industry relations with the Trump administration ahead of the midterms.

The United States has appointed Lieutenant General Alexus G. Grynkewich as the next Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), a decision welcomed by NATO allies amid growing concerns over the alliance’s future posture toward Russia. The appointment comes just weeks before a pivotal NATO summit in The Hague and signals Washington’s continued military commitment to Europe.

Lt. Gen. Grynkewich, who will also serve as the top U.S. general in Europe, will succeed General Christopher G. Cavoli in the summer of 2025 following national confirmation procedures. NATO has traditionally looked to the United States to fill the SACEUR position, a practice dating back to 1951 when General Dwight D. Eisenhower held the inaugural role.

“There is a sense of relief across NATO,” a U.S.-based official told Euronews, noting that recent speculation over whether Washington might relinquish the leadership post had sparked unease. “This is a positive sign of American engagement and staffing.”

In parallel, NATO defence ministers have agreed to a sweeping set of new spending targets, committing member states to increase defence budgets to 5% of GDP. The updated strategy breaks down this figure into 3.5% for “core defence” needs—such as heavy weapons, tanks, and air defence systems—and 1.5% for related areas like cyber capabilities, surveillance, and infrastructure. The specifics of how these targets will be implemented are still under negotiation.

“These targets describe exactly what capabilities Allies need to invest in over the coming years,” said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. He stressed the urgency of these measures, warning that without immediate action, NATO could face serious security risks in the near future.

“If we don’t act now, the next three years we are fine,” Rutte said. “But from three, four, or five years from now, we are really under threat.”

U.S. Ambassador to NATO Mathew Whitaker echoed the sentiment, urging allies to make “credible progress” on defence investment. “Our adversaries are not waiting for us to be ready,” he said, while also emphasizing the importance of Europe stepping up its support for Ukraine.

Despite the renewed show of unity, concerns remain over the direction of U.S. policy under President Trump, particularly regarding Ukraine. According to the same U.S. official, Trump may push to limit Ukraine’s presence at the upcoming NATO summit, citing its non-member status. “Trump just doesn’t care about Europe—it doesn’t help him politically,” the source added.

The Hague summit, scheduled for late June, is expected to solidify NATO’s new defence targets and address the alliance’s role in long-term support for Ukraine.