Targeted Attack on Venezuelan Activists in Bogotá

Two Venezuelan activists, Yendri Omar Velásquez Rodríguez and Luis Alejandro Peche Arteaga, were shot and wounded in an apparent targeted attack in Bogotá, Colombia, on Monday, October 13, 2025, just after noon EAT. The men, who had sought refuge in Colombia after alleging political persecution in Venezuela, were leaving a building in northern Bogotá when two unidentified individuals opened fire. Both men were reported to be in stable condition at a hospital, though Velásquez Rodríguez was scheduled to undergo surgery for his injuries.

Background and Political Context

Yendri Omar Velásquez Rodríguez, founder of the Venezuelan Observatory of LGBTQ+ Violence, and Luis Alejandro Peche Arteaga, a political consultant, have been residing in Colombia since September 2024. Velásquez Rodríguez had previously been detained in August 2024 at Venezuela's main international airport while en route to a human rights event in Switzerland, and had sought asylum in Colombia. Peche Arteaga fled Venezuela in May 2024 following threats related to his work and after a journalist friend was reportedly kidnapped by Venezuelan intelligence forces.

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, a recent Nobel Peace Prize recipient, condemned the attack, alleging that the men were targeted by the Venezuelan government. The Venezuelan government has not yet responded to these allegations. Colombia's Ombudsman's office has also condemned the attack and called for a thorough investigation by the Attorney General's office.

Policy and Governance Implications

Colombian President Gustavo Petro stated on Monday that all Venezuelan citizens seeking asylum in Colombia are welcome, regardless of their political views. He also announced that Colombian government security forces would expand protection for human rights activists in the country. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Venezuelan exiles and the need for robust protection mechanisms in host countries.

Stakeholder Testimonies and Concerns

Human rights organizations and migrant groups have expressed alarm over the attack, warning that violence against critics of the Maduro regime may be spreading across Latin America. The Democratic Unitary Platform, Venezuela's main opposition coalition, also condemned the attack and demanded the identification and capture of those responsible.

Evidence and Data

• Victims: Yendri Omar Velásquez Rodríguez (human rights and LGBTQ+ activist) and Luis Alejandro Peche Arteaga (political consultant).
• Date of Attack: Monday, October 13, 2025.
• Location: Northern Bogotá, Colombia.
• Condition: Both stable; Velásquez Rodríguez to undergo surgery.
• Alleged Motive: Targeted attack due to political persecution.
• Source: Colombian Police, Ombudsman's Office, President Gustavo Petro, Maria Corina Machado.

Risks and Implications

The shooting underscores the significant risks faced by Venezuelan activists and political exiles, even when they have sought refuge in other countries. It raises questions about the reach of political persecution and the effectiveness of international protections for those fleeing oppressive regimes. The incident could also influence public debate and policy execution regarding asylum seekers and human rights defenders in Colombia and the wider region.

Unknowns and Controversies

The identities of the two assailants remain unknown, and Colombian police have stated they were not aware of any specific threats against Velásquez Rodríguez or Peche Arteaga in Colombia prior to the attack. The Venezuelan government has yet to issue a statement regarding the allegations made by opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.

What to Watch

Authorities in Colombia are expected to continue their investigation into the shooting, with calls for a thorough and expedited process. The response from the Venezuelan government, if any, and further measures by the Colombian government to protect human rights activists will be crucial to watch. The international community will also be observing how this incident impacts the broader discourse on the safety of exiles and human rights defenders in Latin America.