A truck driver, driven by a “compulsive and diabolical quest” for freedom in Cuba, was among four individuals fatally shot by Border Patrol after entering Cuban waters on a speedboat registered in Florida.
Michel Ortega Casanova was described as being “obsessed” with a conspiracy that led him and three others, who died on the stolen vessel, to act without regard for the repercussions, according to his brother, Misael.
Misael noted how Cubans have faced “great suffering,” and mentioned that his family was completely unaware of the operation, which Caribbean authorities characterized as a terrorist invasion attempt.
“Nobody knew,” he remarked to the Associated Press on Wednesday. “My mother is heartbroken.”
Cuban authorities reported that four were killed and six injured during the confrontation, stating that the boat was armed with assault rifles, handguns, and Molotov cocktails.
Two individuals aboard were identified as Amijail Sánchez González and Reordán Enrique Cruz Gómez, both wanted for promoting or orchestrating terrorism.
Daniel Hernandez Santos was also arrested, with Cuban officials alleging he had been sent by the U.S. to facilitate an armed incursion, although it remains unclear if he was on the boat.
Investigations into the theft of the Proline boat are underway, with FBI agents questioning its owner. The 1981 model had previously languished in Florida Keys marinas. The boat’s owner is not considered a suspect.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed the need to confirm the facts, stating the shootout is being looked into by the Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security.
“Most of what is reported publicly comes from the Cuban side,” he told reporters in St. Kitts. “We’ll independently verify as we gather more information and be ready to respond appropriately.”
Florida Attorney General James Usmayer demanded an investigation and criticized the Cuban government. He stated, “The Cuban government cannot be trusted. We will do everything possible to hold the communists accountable.”
Congressman Carlos A. Jimenez from Florida called for the Cuban regime to be “relegated to the dustbin of history.”
In its defense, Havana claimed it was acting to protect its sovereignty.
