The Anti-Communist Warfare Council has recently issued an official statement detailing the incident that occurred this Thursday, in which the leader of the organization, the Cuban Manuel Milanés, was injured. The statement clarifies that the event was not an assassination attempt.
"In the early hours of the morning in Ave Maria, at the residence of our director Manuel Milanés, a violent incident took place outside his home. In what appeared to be a domestic violence dispute, an individual attacked his partner or ex-partner who was in a car with several children. The attacker fired two shots at the vehicle in front of Manuel Milanés' house. Milanés called the police and then went outside in his pajamas to defend the attacked family," the statement describes.
The note further explains that the attacker—who was "unknown to Manuel"—shot the popular Cuban-born opponent and economist before immediately fleeing the scene. "After crashing his car during the escape, he continued on foot and was eventually captured by the sheriff’s office, which used helicopters and advanced technology to locate him hiding in a swamp," the document adds. The note also criticized initial reports from some media outlets that suggested it was an assassination attempt.
"We are deeply saddened to see that independent media on social networks have published falsehoods about the incident, often portraying Mr. Milanés in a negative light. Manuel's courageous act of defending the family, as he preaches daily, deserves only respect and admiration," the statement concludes.
The document, which did not provide details on Milanés’ current physical condition, was signed by Luis Pérez, Wilfredo Beira, and Raúl Rauiz, all members of the organization’s executive board. The Anti-Communist Warfare Council describes itself on its website as "a political-military organization formed to work in social media within and outside Cuban territory, adhering to the laws of foreign countries to achieve the liberation of Cuba from oppressive Communist forces."
The official statement on the incident confirms reports recently circulated by local U.S. media and journalists like Mario Vallejo. Local sheriff Kevin Rambosk identified the attacker, a 26-year-old named Hilberto Callejas. Rambosk noted that the altercation occurred around 9 a.m. on Thursday in the mentioned locality of Collier County, Florida, and specified that Milanés was shot in the shoulder. The shooter now faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault with a firearm, aggravated battery, shooting into an occupied vehicle, and child abuse, among others.
Details on the Manuel Milanés Incident
In light of the recent incident involving Manuel Milanés, many questions have arisen regarding the specifics of the event and the current situation. Here are some key questions and answers to provide clarity.
What exactly happened to Manuel Milanés?
Manuel Milanés was shot in the shoulder while attempting to defend a family outside his home in Ave Maria, Florida, during a domestic violence dispute.
Was the incident an assassination attempt?
No, the incident was not an assassination attempt. It was a domestic violence dispute that resulted in Milanés being injured.
Who was the attacker?
The attacker was identified as 26-year-old Hilberto Callejas.
What charges is the attacker facing?
The attacker faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault with a firearm, aggravated battery, shooting into an occupied vehicle, and child abuse.