Security: Colombia
Key Facts
—Who. Andrés Felipe Ramírez, former mayor of Jamundí until 2023, was unhurt, while his bodyguard Felipe López Gutiérrez was killed.
—What. Two armed men on a motorcycle opened fire on his security detail; the governor offered a reward of up to 100 million pesos (about US$31,500).
—Where. La Esmeralda neighbourhood, Jamundí, Valle del Cauca, Colombia, south of Cali.
—When. About 9:20 p.m. Colombian time on Friday 16 October 2026, or about 02:20 GMT on Saturday 17 October.
—As of 17 October 2026, 14:00 GMT.
Gunmen on a motorcycle attacked former Jamundí mayor Andrés Felipe Ramírez on Friday night in Colombia’s Valle del Cauca department. His bodyguard was killed, while Ramírez was unhurt.
Colombia is a major US security partner and a popular destination for American travellers. An attack like this is a reminder of the security picture in a region that many US visitors and investors know.
What We Know
The attack took place at about 9:20 p.m. Colombian time on Friday 16 October 2026, according to El Tiempo. That is about 02:20 GMT on Saturday 17 October.
The target was a family-owned business in the La Esmeralda neighbourhood of Jamundí. The shooting happened in the south of the department, near the city of Cali.
Two armed men arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire on the security detail, El Tiempo and Blu Radio report. Ramírez, who served as mayor until 2023, was not hurt.
The dead bodyguard is Felipe López Gutiérrez, assigned by the National Protection Unit, the state agency that protects people at risk. He was shot several times and died at Hospital Piloto de Jamundí.
Ramírez wrote on social media: “Estoy vivo de milagro” (“I am alive by a miracle”). He called it the hardest and most painful night of his life and thanked the bodyguard who gave his life for him.
Valle del Cauca Governor Dilian Francisca Toro announced a reward of up to 100 million pesos (about US$31,500 at 3,170 pesos per dollar, EODHD, 17 October 2026) for information on the perpetrators and planners. The offer is meant to identify both the gunmen and whoever organised the attack.
Interior Minister Rodrigo Lara said protection schemes had been strengthened, El Tiempo reports. The same outlet says the UN human rights office called for an investigation and prosecution.
On 16 October 2024, a grenade-type explosive detonated near the Jamundí police station, beside the home of Ramírez’s parents, RCN Noticias and El País Cali reported. Ramírez said then that his family was safe, and the governor offered a reward of 50 million pesos (about US$15,800 at the same rate).
What Is Not Known
Authorities have not publicly identified the attackers or a motive. It is not known whether anyone has been arrested.
We also do not know whether Ramírez had reported threats before the attack. Without a motive, linking the case to any group would be speculation.
We have seen no public link between this attack and the 2024 explosion. We mention the earlier incident as background only.
What It Means for Travelers and US Readers
US readers planning a trip to Colombia should check the State Department advisory for the country before booking. Local news from Cali and Valle del Cauca gives the fastest picture of conditions on the ground.
The case shows that public figures in parts of Colombia can face danger even with state protection. The investigation and the reward may bring answers in the coming days, though that is not yet certain.
For more on the country, see our Colombia coverage. We will report official findings as they become available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Andrés Felipe Ramírez?
He is the former mayor of Jamundí, in Colombia’s Valle del Cauca department, who served until 2023. He was unhurt in Friday night’s attack.
What happened in Jamundí?
Two gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire on his security detail in the La Esmeralda neighbourhood. Bodyguard Felipe López Gutiérrez died at Hospital Piloto de Jamundí.
Who carried out the attack?
No suspects or motive have been publicly identified. The investigation is ongoing.
Is there a reward for information?
Governor Dilian Francisca Toro announced up to 100 million pesos (about US$31,500) for information on the perpetrators and planners. Anyone with information should contact the authorities.
Sources: El Tiempo, El Espectador, Blu Radio, RCN Noticias. Background also from El País Cali.
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief