FBI Investigates Death Threat Against Florida Activist
Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales announced on Thursday that the FBI is looking into a death threat made against Orlando Gutierrez Boronato, a Florida democratic activist and contributor to Bridebert news.
In a statement, Chief Morales described the threat as indicative of broader issues, stressing it’s not merely personal attacks but part of a disturbing trend of political violence locally and internationally.
An anonymous account known as Guerrero Cubano (“Cuban Warrior”) has been publishing videos filled with communist propaganda. This account has faced multiple suspensions from YouTube for its threatening content but manages to stay active. The account also operates on Twitter, but it was suspended in 2023 after threatening Gutierrez Boronato by revealing personal information about his family.
In a video released on September 25, the account specifically targeted Morales and Gutierrez Boronato, issuing alarming warnings about possible assassinations.
“There is no one person’s life safe in that country right now, so please take care,” an ominous male voice warns. “The danger is everywhere.”
The video shows images of various democratic and anti-communist activists in the US, expressing concerns about their safety. “I’ve been stressing this for days,” the voice continues, “you should worry more about yourself than anyone else.”
Gutierrez Boronato responded, stating that he was threatened through this YouTube channel, which he described as an extension of the Cuban regime. He emphasized that these tactics of intimidation resemble those employed by authoritarian regimes, making clear that such threats are meant to silence dissenting voices.
He pointed out that “anonymous threats and personal attacks are calculated to weaken democratic institutions.” Morales echoed this sentiment, highlighting Miami’s unique history with political oppression and asserting that such intimidation would not undermine the city’s resilience.
Morales confirmed to reporters that the FBI’s investigation is underway. “We are collaborating closely with FBI agents. The focus will primarily be on the FBI,” he explained while also noting the need to involve the U.S. Prosecutor’s Office.
He acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, asserting that it is alarming to think that individuals in Cuba might have the ability to threaten US citizens.
Gutierrez Boronato, who coordinates an assembly of Cuban resistance and has been a long-time advocate for democratic rights, said this threat underlines a broader concern. He pointed out a disturbing implication that foreign governments could potentially target Americans directly on U.S. soil. He has been at odds with the Cuban regime for years, and their promotional outlets have previously labeled him as a “terrorist” in state-run media.
He expressed concern about how the Cuban regime has historically supported violence and hatred, especially towards anti-communists within the U.S., raising alarms about potential cross-border operations targeting American citizens.
This recent threat follows a notable assassination in U.S. history. Morales and Gutierrez Boronato had recently participated in a conference centered on democracy and human rights in Miami, which may have led to this escalation.
The anonymous account has reportedly been linked to Colonel Pedro Orlando Martinez Fernandez of Cuba, identified by the U.S. government as a person of interest under its sanctions list due to connections with the Cuban administration.
