US Deputy Secretary Landau to Attend Memorial Services for Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau will travel to Bogotá to attend the memorial services for Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay on August 13. Senator Uribe was a rising leader committed to serving his country and strengthening US-Colombia relations. The US stands in solidarity with the Colombian people in mourning the tragic loss of Senator Uribe Turbay, a remarkable leader who made significant contributions to Colombia's democratic progress.

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau will travel to Bogotá to attend the memorial services for Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay on August 13. Senator Uribe was a rising leader committed to serving his country and strengthening US-Colombia relations. The US stands in solidarity with the Colombian people in mourning the tragic loss of Senator Uribe Turbay, a remarkable leader who made significant contributions to Colombia's democratic progress [1].

Landau's visit comes amidst heightened tensions in Colombia, where the assassination of Senator Uribe has plunged the country back to the darkest days of political violence. The bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation, led by Landau, aims to demonstrate Washington's support for Colombian democracy and condemn the targeting of opposition leaders [1].

The June 7 attack, carried out during a public rally in Bogotá's Fontibón locality, left the 39-year-old opposition figure in critical condition. He remained in intensive care for more than two months before succumbing to his injuries early Monday. Uribe Turbay was widely considered the right’s favorite candidate to clinch the 2026 presidential race [1].

The U.S. attendance at the funeral, combined with high-profile calls for justice from Washington, shows that Uribe Turbay’s killing is being treated as a hemispheric concern. The visit comes just days after President Petro expressed solidarity with Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro [2].

The ceremony will draw presidential candidates from Colombia’s centrist and right-wing parties, as well as members of the international diplomatic corps. President Petro is not expected to attend the funeral mass, nor anyone from his cabinet. Petro's response to the assassination has drawn sharp criticism from across the political divide [1].

María Claudia Tarazona, Uribe Turbay’s wife, called for "love, unity, and peace," urging that justice be pursued "swiftly but without vengeance." Her words came amid widespread anger over the assassination, which many fear could reignite political violence not seen in Colombia for decades [1].

References:
[1] https://thecitypaperbogota.com/news/washington-delegation-to-attend-funeral-of-slain-colombian-senator-miguel-uribe/
[2] https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/reactions-death-colombian-presidential-hopeful-uribe-2025-08-11/