Attack on community leader in Sucre, Cauca, and theft of the Ombudsman's Office vehicle: he was shot at on the Pan-American highway

NewsCristian Julián Gómez Velasco, president of the Association of Community Action Boards of this municipality, escaped unharmed thanks to the intervention of his bodyguards. Photo: Personal archive, social media13.11.2026 11:57 Updated: 13.11.2026 12:06 In recent hours, Cristian Julián Gómez Velasco, president of the Association of Community Action Boards of Sucre, in southern Cauca, was the target of an armed attack while traveling along the Pan-American Highway. READ ALSO Cristian Julián Gómez Velasco, president of the Association of Community Action Boards. Photo:Personal archive, social mediaThe events took place in the early hours of Thursday, November 12, when the leader was traveling from Popayán to Sucre to fulfill various commitments related to his community representation work. READ ALSO Along the way, the community leader was attacked with a firearm while traveling through the international corridor. The situation triggered an immediate reaction from the members of his protection detail, assigned by the National Protection Unit (UNP), who intervened to get him out of the area and bring him to safety. Cristian Julián Gómez Velasco, president of the Association of Community Action Boards. Photo:Personal archive, social mediaThe leader escaped unharmed thanks to the timely action of his bodyguards, which prevented more serious consequences. READ ALSO Cristian Julián Gómez Velasco has carried out his social work through various forms of representation. His first steps were linked to youth participation spaces, where he served as municipal and departmental Youth Councilor. READ ALSO He later continued his leadership process through community organizations, eventually becoming president of the Community Action Board of the El Retiro village. He currently heads the Association of Community Action Boards of Sucre, from where he represents various rural sectors and supports initiatives aimed at finding solutions to the needs of their inhabitants. READ ALSO From the community movement, it is expected that the authorities will carry out the necessary investigations to establish the circumstances of the attack, identify those responsible, and determine the motivations behind this armed action. Armed men stole a Defender's Office vehicle in Santander de QuilichaoAdded to this situation is another incident that occurred in northern Cauca, where armed men stole an SUV belonging to the Ombudsman's Office (Defensoría del Pueblo) while officials from the agency were carrying out accompaniment activities with the communities of Cachimbal, within the jurisdiction of Santander de Quilichao. READ ALSO The case occurred near the Cachimbal toll booth, on the Pan-American Highway, when the officials were returning from a humanitarian mission and stopped to talk with members of the Community Action Board about the violent events recently recorded at the Mondomo toll booth. READ ALSO The regional ombudsman for Cauca, Daniel Molano, provided details of what happened. "The officials were returning from a mission in Toribío and stopped to talk with the Community Action Board about the violent events recorded at the Mondomo toll booth, when the incident occurred," he explained. According to Molano, the assailants demanded the surrender of the vehicle, even though the driver explained to them that it belonged to the Ombudsman's Office and was being used for humanitarian accompaniment activities. "The vehicle was parked waiting for two officials from the Ombudsman's Office, when two armed men arrived on a motorcycle and demanded that it be handed over. They were told it belonged to the Ombudsman's Office, but it was no use and they took it," Molano stated. MICHEL ROMOLEROUXSpecial for EL TIEMPOPopayánSee more newsCase of alleged poisoning. Photo: Follow all the news from Colombia on Facebook and Twitter, or in our weekly newsletter. EL TIEMPO NEWSLETTERSSign up for our newsletters and receive news in your email according to your interests. Stay informed about what really matters to you. EL TIEMPO GOOGLE NEWSFollow us on GOOGLE NEWS. Always stay up to date with the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on Google News. EL TIEMPO WHATSAPPJoin El Tiempo's WhatsApp channel to stay up to date with the most relevant news as it happens. EL TIEMPO APPStay informed with the EL TIEMPO app. Receive the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on your device. SUBSCRIBE TO THE DIGITAL EDITIONReliable information for you. Subscribe to EL TIEMPO and access our journalistic content without limits.