Statement on the Indictment of Raul Castro

Today’s indictment marks a historic and deeply emotional moment for the Cuban exile community and for all those who have spent decades seeking justice for the murder of the Hermanos al Rescate pilots.

Seeing what the Castro regime did to innocent people whose only mission was to save lives in the Florida Straits reminded the world of the evil and brutality of the regime. As a young man, I felt helpless watching the United States fail to respond to such a heinous act.

Today, three decades later, we are finally seeing accountability. This action is long overdue, and I want to thank President Donald Trump and Secretary Marco Rubio for doing the right thing and standing with the families of these brave men who gave their lives in the cause of freedom and humanity. The families of Armando Alejandre Jr., Mario de la Peña, Carlos Costa, and Pablo Morales deserved justice long ago.

That this action comes on May 20th, a date that symbolizes Cuban freedom and the enduring hope of a free Cuba, makes this moment even more meaningful.

While the pain of this tragedy remains, so too does the unwavering commitment of the Cuban exile community to the cause of freedom and justice.