The murder of Miguel Uribe was a central topic of President Gustavo Petro's speech at the ceremony promoting Colonels Sandra Liliana Rodríguez Castro and Andrés Fernando Serna Bustamante of the National Police to Brigadier General. The president initially lamented the candidate's death and then proceeded to reject those who have linked him to the crime.

"It is an act of national commotion, which is why we must not only offer honors but also investigate and analyze, as it has to do with the security of Colombia. It is an issue that the competent authorities, with their full support, including international experts in the investigation, need to determine the real causes and the truth behind the crime." This is how the president began his speech, in which he even asked for a minute of silence - although with a blunder because Mario Uribe initially said so.

He then briefly reflected on the impact political hatred has had on the country's history."Colombia has been killing each other for decades out of revenge and political sectarianism. The word hate hasn't ceased to be a word; it has become an action. Out of hate, we kill each other," declared Petro, who insisted that during the 200 years of republican history,"we have done more than kill each other."

During a lengthy speech, the president took a position in response to the Donald Trump administration, following several interventions by its members, including its leader. In this regard, he returned to the topic of Miguel Uribe to point out that the coordination between the Colombian and Venezuelan armies has helped deal blows to the Second Marquetalia, including one of those identified as the possible mastermind, alias"Zarco Aldinever."

Although he initially spoke of political violence as a factor related to the murder of the Democratic Center senator, he later asserted that there is no evidence to show that this was the motive for the violent action against the man who died yesterday: "The current conflict is different. There is no evidence to indicate, for now, that political hatred is what killed Senator Uribe."

Along the same lines, he asserted that those who have tried to link his administration to this act of violence are committing a crime. "There is a crime against us underway, those who claim that this President is responsible. The UNP and the political establishment are not responsible; those responsible point the finger elsewhere. That's why I've decided to defend them," he said.

Along these lines, he warned that he will take legal action against those who try to link him to the crime:"I will file complaints with the Court—that's what happens in a democracy, not revenge—against those who insinuate slander with the intention of gaining votes. They are being politically manipulated to win votes. You don't manipulate a human being; dignity is above all."

In this way, the president made reference to the murder of Miguel Uribe, just when he has been criticized in different sectors for his lack of messages related to the subject, beyond a tweet of condolence made four hours later. Likewise, some sectors have demanded that he not make an appearance at the burning chamber that is currently taking place in the national capitol.