A Florida-registered speedboat was shot off the coast of Cuba, and the race is on to find out what happened and why.
So far, the information that has been released comes from the Cuban government, which Florida officials and Secretary of State Marco Rubio say is "highly unusual." Secretary Rubio has announced that he is conducting his own investigation, and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is doing the same.
On social media, Attorney General Uthmeier wrote, "I’ve directed the Office of Statewide Prosecution to work with our federal, state, and law enforcement partners to begin an investigation. The Cuban government cannot be trusted, and we will do everything in our power to hold these communists accountable.”
Reports indicate that there was an exchange of fire one nautical mile from Cayo Falcones Island, which resulted in 4 killed and 6 injured. The Cuban government has identified those involved as Cuban nationals who are living in the United States.
Cuba's government argues that the boat was filled with individuals who "have a known history of criminal and violent activity." According to Havana's interior ministry, the coastguard approached the boat to identify the individuals, and a shootout ensued.
The injured, who were detained and reported to have received medical assistance, include Conrado Galindo Sariol, Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, José Manuel Rodríguez Castello, Cristian Ernesto Acosta Guevara, Amijail Sánchez González, and Roberto Azcorra Consuegra.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez has since taken to social media to affirm that "Cuba does not attack, nor threaten." Instead, he charged that "Cuba will defend itself with determination and firmness against any terrorist and mercenary aggression that seeks to affect its sovereignty and national stability."
South Florida lawmakers have quickly denounced the shooting, calling for an investigation and suggesting that the United States should take action.
Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) commented on the shooting in a social media post, writing that the dictatorship in Cuba should "be relegated to the dust bin of history."
After the capture of Nicolas Maduro, President Donald Trump signaled that a similar operation like that of "Operation Midnight Hammer" could strike Cuba, yet nothing has been confirmed. With the recent shooting, tension between the United States and Cuba has exacerbated.
