Bogotá Mayor Accuses Petro Government of Supporting Violent Protests, Demands Clear Stance
BOGOTÁ – Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán publicly accused the government of President Gustavo Petro of supporting demonstrations that devolved into violence, alleging involvement from the president himself, former ministers, and a Presidential contractor. The accusations follow a recent alert from the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá regarding a potential increase in protests, and come as Petro’s response to escalating unrest has drawn criticism for it’s perceived leniency.
galán leveled the charges during a press conference,stating that demonstrations marred by violence “were supported by the president of the Republic,by former ministers of his government and also apparently by a contractor of the presidency of the Republic.” He demanded a clear and direct response from Petro regarding his stance on the violence, riots, destruction, and vandalism accompanying the protests. The mayor’s statements represent a significant escalation in tensions between the capital city’s management and the national government.
The U.S. Embassy issued a security alert on October 3, 2025, warning U.S. citizens in Bogotá of potential demonstrations and increased police presence. While the alert did not specify the nature of the protests, it prompted increased security measures in the city center. Petro’s initial response, according to Galán, was insufficient, leading to the mayor’s public rebuke.
“So it is significant that the President of the Government clearly tells us, to the country and to Bogotá, they agree, yes or no, with these acts of violence, with the riots, with the destruction, with the vandalism,” Galán insisted. “They have to be clear. Because here we cannot allow the institutions to not be clear in the face of violence.”
Galán further emphasized the need for a unified front against vandalism and chaos. “We all have to reject it and it is importent that it be clear to the Public Force, and to all Colombians, what is the position of this government regarding vandalism, in the face of destruction, in the face of the attempt to generate chaos and violence in our city and in our country,” he stated.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Galán reiterated his condemnation of the violence, stating, “We reject the attempt by a few hooded men to impose chaos and fear in Bogotá.Today we ask the Public Force, once dialog has been exhausted, to restore order, and we will do so whenever necessary. The country deserves the president to speak clearly…”
