A Pasco County man was recently murdered and dismembered by an associate of the El Salvadorean gang MS-13. Representative Gus Bilirakis (R), whose Congressional District covers much of Pasco, offered his condolences and reminded constituents that incidents such as these are precisely why border security should be a priority, criticizing the Biden Administration for allowing criminal organizations such as MS-13 to infiltrate the country.
"Initial reports indicate that this brutal crime in our community was perpetrated by someone with connection to the violent MS-13 gang that is well-known to have taken advantage of Biden’s loose border policies and illegally infiltrated communities across the country," said Rep. Bilirakis.
Initial reports indicate that this brutal crime in our community was perpetrated by someone with connection to the violent MS-13 gang that is well-known to have taken advantage of Biden’s loose border policies an illegally infiltrated communities across the country.
— Gus Bilirakis (@RepGusBilirakis) April 26, 2023
The Tampa Bay Times reports that Uber Eats driver Randall Cooke was making his last delivery of the day at the residence of Oscar Solis, not far from his own home. Security camera footage shows Cooke arriving at Solis' door when he was suddenly pulled inside.
Footage from the next day showed Solis and an accomplice dragging heavy trash bags around the side of the house, which police found to have Cooke's remains.
Pasco County authorities said the killing appears to have been random, with no indication of Solis knowing Cooke. Pasco County Sherriff Chris Nocco called the crime "demonic."
Rep. Bilirakis stated that his "thoughts and prayers go out to the Cooke family as they grapple with this devastating loss."
"My thoughts and prayers go out to the Cooke family as they grapple with this devastating loss. This is yet one more reminder of the need to enforce the rule of law, ensure law enforcement has the tools it needs to catch criminals keep us safe!" Bilirakis added.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Cooke family as they grapple with this devastating loss. This is yet one more reminder of the need to enforce the rule of law, ensure law enforcement has the tools it needs to catch criminals keep us safe! https://t.co/Wl8gVA2SsT
— Gus Bilirakis (@RepGusBilirakis) April 26, 2023
Bilirakis has long been critical of the Biden Administration and its handling of the southern border, discussing the crisis with AM Tampa Bay in September, calling it "a national emergency."
Later in December, Bilirakis wrote with Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) demanding the Biden Administration classify fentanyl, which is frequently smuggled over the border, as a weapon of mass destruction (WMD).
At the end of February, Bilirakis reported, "For the 23rd month in a row, our border had more than 150k migrants illegally entering our country in January."
"For the 23rd month in a row, our border had more than 150k migrants illegally entering our country in January. Biden’s failed open border policies jeopardize our security. We're demanding more transparency + accountability!" Bilirakis stated.
