Luis Carlos Galán, a charismatic leader and a member of the Colombian Liberal Party, was in the pursuit of the presidency in a country besieged by violence, primarily due to drug trafficking. As a vocal critic of the Medellín Cartel and its notorious leader, Pablo Escobar, he had gained significant popularity for his proposals aimed at tackling corruption and restoring public trust in government institutions. Galán's campaign was characterized by his message of hope and reform, making him a target for those who benefited from the status quo of drug-related violence.

On August 18, 1989, Galán was assassinated during a campaign rally in Soacha, a municipality near Bogotá. The attack was executed by gunmen believed to be affiliated with drug trafficking organizations seeking to silence his anti-drug campaign. The assassination shocked the nation and sparked widespread condemnation. Thousands attended his funeral, and his death became a pivotal moment in Colombia’s ongoing struggle against narco-terrorism.

Following Galán's assassination, Colombia entered a new phase of civil unrest as various political figures faced increased threats and the government took steps to confront the powerful drug cartels more aggressively. His legacy lingered on as the nation grappled with his vision for a more equitable and less corrupt society, and the subsequent actions taken to combat cartel violence were influenced by the sorrow and outrage generated by his tragic death.