An armed attack in Florida, Valle del Cauca, left two people dead and two others gravely injured on Saturday, August 1, according to local authorities. The incident occurred at approximately 2:50 p.m. at a restaurant situated on 7th Street between 14th and 15th Avenues, near a regular bus station for routes traveling between Florida and Miranda, Cauca.
Details of the Armed Attack and Immediate Response
According to initial accounts from the scene, multiple armed individuals entered the establishment and fired indiscriminately at a group of patrons eating lunch. The shooting triggered panic among nearby customers, business owners, and pedestrians who scrambled for cover. Emergency responders and local citizens rushed to aid the victims, transporting them urgently to Clínica Las Américas due to the severity of their injuries.
Did You Know? The restaurant where the shooting occurred is located near the usual boarding area for public buses connecting Florida, Valle del Cauca, to Miranda, Cauca.
Conflicting Reports Over Targeted Indigenous Leadership
While initial reports indicated one fatality and at least three injuries, the Consejería de Gobierno Propio del Pueblo Nasa del Valle del Cauca later released a humanitarian alert. The indigenous organization asserted that the targeted individual was Julián Mauricio Gutiérrez, the high authority of the Kwesx Yu Kiwe reservation, who remains in critical condition. Police and fiscal authorities have not yet officially confirmed these details regarding the intended target.
The Nasa organization stated in its communication that the deceased victims include Andrés Machín, a National Protection Unit (UNP) bodyguard, and Haminton Daniel, an indigenous community member. Jhon Lemus, another UNP bodyguard, sustained serious injuries in the attack. Official confirmation from the National Police or the Prosecutor General’s Office regarding these identities is still pending.
Investigation and Institutional Appeals
Following the violence, National Police officers secured the perimeter to conduct technical inspections, gather evidence, and collect witness testimony. Investigators are reviewing local security footage to trace the attackers’ escape route and determine the exact motive behind the shooting. Authorities have initiated investigations of their own accord while awaiting a formal balance from the National Police and the Prosecutor General’s Office.
In response to the bloodshed, the Nasa organization issued urgent appeals to human rights bodies. The group called on the Office of the Ombudsman, the United Nations (UN), and the Organization of American States’ Mission to Support the Peace Process (MAPP-OEA) to address ongoing threats against indigenous authorities and communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where did the attack take place?
The armed assault occurred on Saturday, August 1, at approximately 2:50 p.m. inside a restaurant on 7th Street between 14th and 15th Avenues in Florida, Valle del Cauca.
What are the reported casualties according to indigenous organizations?
The Consejería de Gobierno Propio del Pueblo Nasa reported that Andrés Machín and Haminton Daniel were killed, while indigenous authority Julián Mauricio Gutiérrez and UNP bodyguard Jhon Lemus were severely injured.
Have official sources confirmed the identities of the victims and the motive?
Not yet. National Police and Prosecutor General’s Office investigations are ongoing, and officials have not issued a final balance regarding the identities of all victims or the precise motives of the attackers.
What steps can local authorities take next to secure vulnerable transit and commercial hubs in Florida, Valle del Cauca?