The Cuban entrepreneur, economist, and influencer Manuel Milanés has resurfaced via an audio message on his social media to thank those who have expressed concern for his health in recent days. This comes after he was shot in an incident near his home last Thursday.
"Who am I to have so many people worried? But, thank you for being there and supporting me in a situation like this, not just for me but also for my family," Milanés said. He first thanked God for allowing him to survive, as well as his family and the medical team that treated him.
In the heartfelt declaration, which lasted nearly five minutes, the well-known Cuban dissident said he is recovering well but admitted the process "has been tough."
Details of the Incident
"At the hospital, they are taking good care of me, and they've maintained my privacy, which is why, unfortunately, you haven't seen much of me... Everything is still under investigation, ruling out any possibilities," he said regarding the incident.
Milanés explained that when he entered the operating room, the situation was dire, with odds of 90-10, because he had lost a lot of blood. "They gave me almost 30 blood transfusions, had to remove the bullet, and put stents in one vein and two arteries, but I am fine," he elaborated.
"I remember everything. I know my name, I know my birth date. Just give me a little time to rest and recover, and soon I'll be with all of you thanking you and always thanking God," he added.
On the religious faith that has aided his recovery, he mentioned that the doctor who operated on him is named "María" and the paramedic who kept him alive during the first hour after the attack is named "Lázaro," which he sees as evidence that his saints did not abandon him.
For his followers, he left a piece of advice drawn from his tough experience. "I concluded that you need to spend more time with the people who love you. Sometimes we dedicate time to other things in life, and when events like this happen, you think, 'wow, I missed doing this, I treated so-and-so badly, I haven't seen so-and-so in a while.' To be better prepared, spend time with your family and friends, be together," he said.
Regarding his intervention in the incident that left him injured, he said he would do it again. "I think I did what I had to do; it was the decision I made, and even though I'm going through this, without a doubt, I would do it again," he concluded.
Official Statement and Local Authorities' Report
Last Friday, the Council for Anti-Communist Warfare issued an official statement describing the incident that occurred on August 22, in which the leader of that organization, Manuel Milanés, was injured. The statement denied that it was an assassination attempt.
"This morning in the city of Ave Maria, at the residence of our director Manuel Milanés, there were violent events outside his home. In an apparent domestic violence dispute, an individual attacked his partner or ex-partner, who was in a car with several children. The individual fired two shots at the car in front of Manuel Milanés' house. He called the police first and then went outside in his pajamas to defend the attacked family," the statement described.
The note added that the assailant, who was "unknown to Manuel," shot the well-known Cuban dissident, entrepreneur, and economist and then immediately fled the scene.
"After crashing his car during the escape, he continued on foot and was eventually captured by the sheriff's office using helicopters and high technology to locate him hiding in a swamp," the document added. It also lamented initial reports in some media outlets that suggested it was an assassination attempt.
"We regret that independent media on social networks have published falsehoods about the incident, always placing Mr. Milanés at a disadvantage. Manuel's brave act of defending the family, as he preaches day by day, deserves only respect and admiration," the publication concluded.
The official statement confirmed the version reported by local U.S. media. Local sheriff Kevin Rambosk identified the assailant as 26-year-old Hilberto Callejas. Rambosk indicated that the altercation occurred around 9 a.m. on Thursday in the mentioned locality in Collier County, Florida, and specified that Milanés was shot in the shoulder. The gunman now faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault with a firearm, aggravated assault, shooting into an occupied vehicle, and child abuse, among others.
Frequently Asked Questions About Manuel Milanés' Incident
Following the recent incident involving Manuel Milanés, many have questions regarding the events and his recovery. Below are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
Who is Manuel Milanés?
Manuel Milanés is a Cuban entrepreneur, economist, and influencer known for his opposition to the Cuban regime.
What happened to Manuel Milanés?
Manuel Milanés was shot in an incident near his home in Ave Maria, Florida, during an apparent domestic violence dispute. He intervened to defend the attacked family.
Is the incident under investigation?
Yes, the incident is still under investigation, and authorities are ruling out any possibilities.
Who was the assailant?
The assailant was identified as 26-year-old Hilberto Callejas, who now faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault with a firearm and child abuse.