'I went with him in the ambulance, crying out to God for his life': the harsh account of a council member who was with Miguel Uribe.

Senator and presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay was the victim of a serious attack on June 7 in Bogotá. Uribe Turbay was campaigning in the Modelia neighborhood of Fontibón when he was shot several times.

At the time of the attack, the congressman and candidate was accompanied by Democratic Center councilman Andrés Barrios. In a live interview with EL TIEMPO, Barrios, his voice breaking and dismayed by what happened, recounted the anguish that had erupted, which currently has Uribe Turbay in serious condition.

The councilman explained that they were on a pre-campaign tour, visiting Modelia and some commercial establishments. "The event ended at Modelia Park, and he climbed some poles and from there he was delivering his political speech," he said.

In his account, he indicated that Uribe Turbay was speaking about the importance of restoring security to Colombia . "There were about 250 people around him, and out of nowhere this guy came out shooting, trying to end his life."

Regarding the presence of security detail, the councilman noted that both had their own teams, but said that a senator like Turbay should have a more robust security detail, as he is also a presidential candidate.

"They were spread out. They tried to do what they could, but it was very complicated," he said.

There were about 250 people around him and out of nowhere this guy came out to shoot, to try to end his life.

In a conversation with Ernesto Cortés, editor-in-chief of EL TIEMPO, and Martha Soto, editor of the Investigative Unit of this newspaper, the councilman recounted that he managed to get into the ambulance that, as he said, miraculously appeared behind the car into which the wounded Uribe Turbay was initially placed.

"I went with him in the ambulance, crying out to God for his life, praying to God for his life. We managed to get to the center, next to Fontibón City Hall, and his family arrived."

He also said that as soon as the shots were fired, they reacted. "I asked the security guard to run to the car, and we got him in very quickly. A miracle happened; an ambulance arrived," he added.

Barrios, on the other hand, said that Uribe Turbay was excited to share his time with the community. "It was obvious he was enjoying this tour; he loves Bogotá. He's worked for this city for 15 years."

He also indicated that the senator did not mention any threat to him.

Finally, he appealed to the National Government. "It's not possible to be in this electoral race with this level of insecurity and the regrettable events that occurred today. The candidates need guarantees," he concluded.