Colombian President's Helicopter Diverted Over Alleged Shooting Threat

Was Petro's helicopter diversion a real assassination attempt or a nebulous claim?
Colombian President's Helicopter Diverted Over Alleged Shooting Threat
Above: Colombian President Gustavo Petro addressed members of the Colombian diaspora at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library on Feb. 5. Image credit: Oliver Contreras/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Left narrative

Petro has narrowly escaped death amid his recent anti-cartel push. Drug trafficking cartels and FARC dissidents led by Ivan Mordisco have been plotting to assassinate Colombia's first leftist president since he took office in 2022, continuing the country's tragic history of murdered leftist leaders.

Right narrative

The alleged assassination attempt on Petro is part of ongoing unverified claims about threats to his life. Investigations into the helicopter incident are underway, but the government has not provided detailed threat assessments. As the 2026 election approaches, Colombia faces a tense political atmosphere with increasing violence against public figures, highlighting significant security challenges.



The Controversies



Go Deeper


Political split

LEFT

RIGHT



© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.18.0