BOGOTA: A fifteen-year-old boy accused of trying to assassinate a Colombian presidential candidate pled “not guilty” on Tuesday, the prosecutor’s office told AFP.
The teen was formally charged with the attempted homicide of 39-year-old conservative candidate Miguel Uribe, who was shot twice in the head on Saturday and is fighting for his life in hospital.
The boy was also charged with carrying a firearm.
Footage from the scene showed Uribe addressing supporters in western Bogota when a youth rushed toward him firing at least eight shots.
Uribe was hit twice in the head and once in the leg.
The alleged gunman was apprehended by security guards and a Glock nine-millimeter pistol was recovered.
Police believe the teen was a “sicario” or hitman working for money.
As a minor he faces eight years in detention if found guilty.
