Colombian President Gustavo Petro has claimed that the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) possesses “concrete information” about a potential assassination plot targeting a leading candidate in the country’s upcoming presidential election, raising fresh concerns about political violence and security ahead of the vote.
In a statement posted on X on Friday, Petro alleged that intelligence reports point to a credible threat against Iván Cepeda, the candidate of the ruling Historic Pact coalition and a key figure expected to contest the presidency in the May 31 election.
“CIA already has real and concrete data regarding a possible attack against candidate Iván Cepeda,” Petro wrote. “Threats circulate everywhere in Colombia, but information about real plans must be neutralized in advance.”
The president did not provide further details about the nature of the alleged plot or the sources of the intelligence but stressed the need for proactive measures to prevent any potential attack.
Petro also expressed appreciation to U.S. President Donald Trump for what he described as support for free and fair elections in Colombia. In the same message, he drew a controversial comparison, linking past incidents in the United States to broader political violence.
“Do not forget that the origin of the (2025) assassination of Charlie Kirk and the attack against Trump himself came from the same side,” Petro added, a statement that has drawn scrutiny and debate.
Responding to the claims, Cepeda confirmed that he would seek a detailed briefing from relevant authorities regarding the alleged threat. However, he downplayed the situation publicly, saying he did not want to create panic among voters.
“I did not turn this into a scandal or raise my voice because I do not want to create fear or panic in the public,” Cepeda told reporters. “Under no circumstances will I abandon my political work. It is out of the question for me to withdraw from the campaign.”
The concerns raised by Petro come amid a tense political atmosphere in Colombia, where multiple candidates have reported receiving threats as the election approaches. Local media outlets have reported anonymous death threats circulating on social media platforms, targeting opposition figures including Paloma Valencia and Abelardo de la Espriella.
Both Valencia and de la Espriella have accused the government of failing to adequately address security concerns affecting opposition candidates. Despite the threats, they have vowed to continue their campaigns.
The situation has reignited concerns about political violence in Colombia, a country with a long history of election-related security challenges. The memory of recent incidents continues to shape public discourse, particularly the death of Miguel Uribe Turbay, a prominent right-wing figure who was fatally wounded in an armed attack last year.
Uribe Turbay’s killing sparked widespread protests, with critics accusing the government of failing to provide sufficient protection for political figures. The incident intensified calls for stronger security measures ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
Analysts say the latest warnings could heighten tensions further, especially as political campaigns enter their final stages. The combination of intelligence claims, public accusations, and reported threats has raised fears that the electoral process could be disrupted if security is not reinforced.
Colombia’s first round of presidential elections is scheduled for May 31, with a potential runoff expected if no candidate secures an outright majority. Authorities have yet to release an official statement detailing enhanced security arrangements in response to the recent developments.
Observers note that ensuring the safety of candidates and voters will be critical to maintaining public confidence in the electoral process. Calls are growing for security agencies to provide transparent updates and take visible steps to mitigate risks.
As the campaign period intensifies, attention will remain focused on how the government and security institutions respond to the reported threats, and whether the election can proceed peacefully in a climate marked by heightened political tension and uncertainty.
