Colombia marched this Sunday to reject political violence and polarization.

"Strength, Miguel!" was the message that resonated loudly through the streets of the country a week after Senator and Democratic Center candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay was the victim of an attack while participating in a political event. This incident has generated widespread rejection in Colombian society and has left him hovering between his life and death at the Santa Fe Foundation.

Thousands of citizens, political leaders from different parties, members of the Army Reserve, and representatives of social organizations took to the streets this Sunday to participate in the so-called "March of Silence," a mobilization called to reject violence and support democracy. The images of people dressed in white, carrying Colombian flags and banners with messages of unity were replicated in 32 other cities.

In Bogotá, according to data from the Ministry of Government, 70,000 people marched from the National Park to Bolívar Square, a place that was the epicenter of prayers, harangues, and a minute of silence. There, in the heart of the capital, the sky was filled with white bombs—some bearing the face of Miguel Uribe—while several members of Congress left the Capitol to thank those who gathered.

"I want to thank those who participated in the massive mobilizations. Today there is no room for resentment in my heart, only the deep hope of being reunited with my husband Miguel," María Claudia Tarazona, the congressman's wife, said in a statement at the close of the day.

The congressman's father, Miguel Uribe Londoño, also delivered a moving message during the vigil held at the Santa Fe Foundation. "I attest that you have dedicated all your years of public service to Colombia with one goal: a safe, violence-free country . Your cause is security, so that we can build a peaceful Colombia for all Colombians," he said.

In Bogotá, most of the presidential candidates—including Paloma Valencia, María Fernanda Cabal, Claudia López, and Vicky Dávila—and several political figures—including Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán and former Senator Humberto de la Calle—accompanied the four-kilometer march, during which the national anthem was sung at various points.

"We are here to ask Colombia for unity and firmness, because we cannot tolerate violence. On one side, the democrats, and on the other, those who threaten institutions," said Valencia, who, along with the other candidates from the Democratic Center, announced a pause in campaigning this week.

Although there were no visible voices from sectors close to the government during the event, congressmen such as Iván Cepeda also highlighted the message of the mobilization and the "call for peace, unity, and the unanimous rejection of violence in all its forms."

President Gustavo Petro also addressed the mobilization, calling it "a success." "The entire population unites for the life of Senator Uribe Turbay and for an end to violence throughout Greater Colombia," he wrote in X.

“Colombia is greater than its wounds. Stronger than its history of pain, braver than its fear. May peace always unite us. A voice of strength for Miguel,” said Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia.

Medellín also responded massively to the call, with more than 50,000 people taking to the streets, according to data from the mayor's office. Although the rally in the Antioquia capital was scheduled for 10 a.m., people began arriving early in the morning at Avenida Oriental and Avenida La Playa.

Cristian Halaby, cousin of Miguel Uribe Turbay, described the event as "apotheotic." "Miguel lifted up all of Colombia today and committed us all to the task of saving the country, because this cannot continue to be a country of orphans and violence," he said.

"In our city, more than 50,000 people took to the streets to tell the country that we reject violence and defend democracy. The day passed calmly, with respect, and dignity," reported Mayor Federico Gutiérrez.

In Cali, thousands of people joined the mobilization, led by a caravan carrying an 800-meter-long city flag, made by embroiderers commissioned by former councilman and businessman Carlos Andrés Clavijo.

The marchers arrived dressed in white T-shirts, some carrying balloons, others holding daisies, and waving Colombian flags along 5th Street, the highway connecting the north, center, and south of Cali. Along the way, the protesters packed 5th Street toward Jairo Varela Plaza. The phrase "Strength, Miguel, strength, Miguel" and prayers such as the holy rosary could be heard.

Barranquilla also rallied in support of Senator Miguel Uribe. Congressmen, businesspeople, and citizens called for peace in the Plaza de la Paz: "Colombia will not be intimidated."

In an event steeped in symbolism and unity, the Plaza de la Paz in the capital of Atlántico Department became the epicenter of the march along the coast. Participants then proceeded to the María Reina Metropolitan Cathedral, where a Mass was held, including a prayer for Senator Uribe's health. Among those in attendance were prominent figures from Congress, union leaders, business leaders, council members, representatives, and citizens from various municipalities in Atlántico Department.

Senate President Efraín Cepeda emphatically rejected the violent rhetoric that, according to him, has contaminated the political debate. "I believe that the offensive hate speech of some political sectors leads to these misinterpretations that someone must be killed. But Colombia is more than that," he stated from the atrium of the Cathedral.

For his part, Barranquilla Senator Mauricio Gómez Amín expressed his gratitude for the massive support the event received in his hometown. “We are happy for the reception in the department, in Barranquilla. Everyone from the municipalities came. I am very grateful to the senators, councilors, representatives, and the governor. Thank you to Atlántico for your support,” said Gómez Amín, who also urged those in attendance to keep hope alive: “Let us continue praying for Miguel and for the peace of Colombia, which has been marred by these acts of violence.”

In Bucaramanga, the mobilization along Carrera 27, near Puerta del Sol, began at 9 a.m. and was well attended. The march, which lasted nearly two hours, concluded at Carrera 15 and Calle 36, in the city center, where participants sent a message to the Minister of Defense, Pedro Sánchez, and called for peace in Colombia.

The people of Bucaramanga expressed their weariness with the wars between political parties, attacks by criminal gangs, and violence from illegal groups. The people of Santander united in a single voice to call for peace in Colombia and to put the conflicts that continue to claim victims behind them. The meeting culminated with a protest that, according to those attending, had no political overtones, but rather was born from a sense of "homeland pain."

The unfortunate incident of the day occurred precisely in this city, where a RTVC journalist was insulted and attacked by a group of protesters. "While carrying out their work of peacefully reporting, the journalists were insulted with words such as 'guerrillas,' 'coops,' and 'bastards.' They were also spat on five times and attacked with punches and kicks," the Foundation for Press Freedom said in a statement.