Petro speaking on August 9 - image via the Office of the Presidency on X
By Global News Service
On August 8, Iván Velásquez Gómez, Colombia’s Minister of Defense, announced to the press that the government had uncovered a plot to assassinate President Gustavo Petro on July 20, the country’s independence day.
He also added that this is not the first time the government has received security alerts concerning the president’s safety, and that is why the intelligence team of the Ministry of Defense works tirelessly to ensure the integrity of Petro’s life. “On many occasions, information of various natures has been presented, regarding possible actions that could be taken against the president in which intelligence has been timely and moreover, necessary measures taken,” he said.
His public comments came in the wake of different rumors swirling over the same, sparked by Petro’s late arrival to the customary military parade on July 20. The parade which was scheduled to start at 9:00 am, was delayed for more than three hours on account of the president, sparking harsh criticism from his political opponents.
Carlos Galan, mayor of Bogotá, wrote, “The soldiers and police of Colombia must be respected and thanked, today and always, for their commitment and sacrifice for this country.”
Faced with criticism, Petro said that his delay to the military parade was due to an alleged alert that came from the U.S. Embassy.
from the Peoples Dispatch / Globetrotter News Service
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