Kevin Arrigui, the young student who was the victim of a stabbing attack last Wednesday, July 29, near the National University of Colombia, shared his account of how he survived.
Security camera footage from the institution recorded the exact moment when, approximately, ten individuals with covered faces and armed began the violent incident.
While authorities continue investigating the case, preliminary reports indicate that the confrontation arose after previous tensions between student groups and labor organizations.
In this regard, the university based in Bogotá reiterated that “no difference justifies the use of violence” and “this type of incident is incompatible with the principles of respect, coexistence, and integrity of the alma mater.”
Young student recounted how he survived the violent attack in Bogotá
As revealed by the Investigative Unit of EL TIEMPO, the young man identified as Kevin Arrigui, aged 26, was one of the victims of the violent attack that shocked the country.
The young man stated that the verbal attacks began “about two weeks ago“.
“They called me a political street operative; said I was involved in corruption, and that I was covering for the rector,” he told the Investigative Unit.
In his account of the prior disputes on campus, Kevin Arrigui said that they even “snatched his phone” and “tried to punch him,” an incident captured on security videos, he said.
Apparently, the attack this Wednesday occurred just as he and other students were removing some union banners in certain areas of the building. That’s when a group of people arrived to assault them with punches and knives.
Kevin Arrigui revealed that at the time he was wearing a leather jacket and that this likely helped him avoid some of the stab wounds he received during the attack, although he ended up with injuries on his arms and one leg.
“About 10 of them caught me, they hit me and inflicted stab wounds. I had a leather jacket and that saved me from other stabs, but they threw me to the ground and punched and kicked me,” he explained.
In another interview with CityTV of the EL TIEMPO Publishing House, the young student recalled the moments of panic and chaos experienced in one of the university’s hallways.
“In my case, it was in the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, where at first they came and hit me with some chairs while I was recording them (…) they snatched my phone and hit me with a bottle,” he recalled.
He added: “It was seen when they delivered the direct stab wounds, which caused me deep impact on my left leg and left arm.”
After being evaluated at a medical center, he was given a 20-day medical leave for full recovery.
“They ran some tests because of the blows (…) I’m a bit worried because when I stand and walk I do feel dizzy, so I’m resting and hoping this passes soon,” he told CityTV.
Protocols activated at the National University of Colombia after violent attack
The Rector’s Office and Vice-Rector’s Office of the university issued an official statement to announce their strong rejection of the acts of violence against three students.
They also emphasized that from the moment they were alerted to the situation, “institutional care protocols, support for the victims, and information safeguarding were activated.”
In the same vein, they highlighted that “urgent actions” have already been taken to clarify the facts and achieve the full identification of those responsible.
“We express our solidarity with the affected individuals, their families, classmates, and close ones, and reiterate our commitment to the support that the situation requires,” they stated.
Luisa Fernanda Gutiérrez Henao
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