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Colombia’s attorney general has obtained arrest warrants for seven members of the Segunda Marquetalia rebel group in connection with the 2025 assassination of Miguel Uribe, a conservative presidential candidate who was shot during a campaign rally in Bogota.
Attorney General Luz Adriana Camargo announced Tuesday that Uribe’s killing was “the result of a structured criminal operation” involving an urban gang hired by the rebel group to execute the senator. According to the investigation, the assassination was orchestrated by Kendry Téllez, a Segunda Marquetalia member who previously fought with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
Luciano Marín, better known as Iván Márquez, a former FARC commander who abandoned the historic 2016 peace agreement to form Segunda Marquetalia in 2018, was also charged with helping plan the assassination. Authorities have announced a $1.3 million reward for information leading to Marín’s capture, along with smaller rewards for the six other Segunda Marquetalia members charged with murder.
The attack occurred on June 7, 2025, when Uribe was addressing supporters in a Bogota park. A teenager, allegedly hired by a local gang working for the rebel group, shot the candidate multiple times before being apprehended by Uribe’s security detail. Despite emergency medical care, Uribe succumbed to his injuries two months later.
This assassination represented the first killing of a presidential candidate in Colombia in three decades, dealing a significant blow to President Gustavo Petro’s security policies. Uribe had campaigned on a platform promising tougher measures against rebel groups and narcotraffickers operating across Colombia.
The murder occurred amid a complex security landscape in Colombia. Following the 2016 peace agreement that saw the FARC formally disband as an armed group, numerous criminal organizations and splinter groups have been battling for control over territories previously dominated by the FARC. Segunda Marquetalia emerged from this fragmented landscape when Marín and other former FARC commanders rejected the peace process and returned to arms.
Marín was last seen publicly in 2024 when his group entered into peace talks with President Petro’s administration. Those negotiations collapsed later that year following internal divisions within Segunda Marquetalia. Prosecutors had previously suggested the group’s involvement in Uribe’s murder, but Tuesday’s announcement marks the first formal charges against specific members.
The assassination highlights the ongoing challenges to Colombia’s security and democratic institutions. Despite the 2016 peace accord’s significant achievement in ending the decades-long conflict with the FARC, Colombia continues to struggle with violence perpetrated by various armed groups, including Segunda Marquetalia, the National Liberation Army (ELN), and numerous drug trafficking organizations.
Political violence has raised serious concerns ahead of Colombia’s upcoming presidential elections scheduled for May. If no candidate secures more than 50% of the vote, a runoff between the top two contenders will take place in June.
The charges against the Segunda Marquetalia members come at a critical juncture for Colombia’s peace process. President Petro, the country’s first leftist leader, has advocated for a “Total Peace” approach aimed at negotiating with various armed groups. However, incidents like Uribe’s assassination have undermined public confidence in dialogue-based solutions and strengthened calls for more aggressive security measures.
As the investigation continues, authorities are focused on capturing the accused individuals, most of whom are believed to be hiding in remote areas along Colombia’s borders with Venezuela and Ecuador, where illegal armed groups maintain significant influence.
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14 Comments
While the peace deal has brought stability in many areas, it’s clear that pockets of violence and instability remain. Strengthening Colombia’s security forces and judicial system will be key to fully addressing the threat posed by these rebel groups.
This attack on a presidential candidate is a troubling escalation of political violence in Colombia. I hope the investigation uncovers the full extent of the rebel group’s involvement and that the perpetrators receive the maximum penalties allowed by law.
Unsurprising that a splinter group like Segunda Marquetalia would be involved in this assassination. Rebel movements often fracture after peace deals, leading to continued instability and violence.
Good point. These splintered groups are often even more radical and violent than the original organizations. Colombia faces an uphill battle to fully consolidate peace.
Targeting political figures is an unacceptable tactic that threatens Colombia’s democratic institutions. I’m glad to see the attorney general taking swift action to pursue those responsible. Eliminating these rebel threats must be a top priority.
Agreed. Protecting the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring the safety of political candidates is fundamental to Colombia’s continued democratic progress. Rooting out these rebel elements is critical.
Tragic that even after the peace deal, rebel groups continue to engage in violence and target political candidates. I hope the authorities can capture those responsible and bring them to justice swiftly.
You’re right, this is a deeply concerning development that undermines Colombia’s fragile peace process. Effective law enforcement and judicial action will be crucial to hold the perpetrators accountable.
It’s disheartening to see the peace process undermined by splinter groups. However, I’m encouraged that the authorities are taking strong action to investigate and prosecute those responsible. Consistent, impartial enforcement of the law is key.
Well said. Maintaining the rule of law and ensuring perpetrators face justice is crucial, even as the peace process encounters setbacks. Steady, principled law enforcement will be essential going forward.
A $1.3 million reward is a significant bounty. I hope it helps lead to the capture of Iván Márquez and the other suspects. Removing these dangerous individuals from the streets is crucial for Colombia’s future.
Agreed. Offering large rewards can be an effective tactic to incentivize informants and help law enforcement apprehend high-profile fugitives. Let’s hope it pays off in this case.
This is a tragic setback for Colombia’s hard-won peace. I hope the authorities can successfully apprehend those responsible and send a clear message that political violence will not be tolerated. The country’s future stability depends on it.
Absolutely. Restoring a culture of peace and rule of law must be the top priority, even as Colombia grapples with these persistent pockets of unrest. Decisive action is needed to safeguard the country’s democratic progress.