Prominent Cuban activist and influencer Manuel Milanés recently shared the harrowing experience of being shot in front of his home in Florida while defending a woman and her children from an assailant. Still recovering from the incident, Milanés revealed the scar from the attack that took place on August 23. The event unfolded in Collier County when Milanés heard cries for help outside his residence. Upon investigating, he encountered a man aggressively ramming his vehicle into a car occupied by a woman and four children, according to police reports.
In a YouTube interview on the show Destino Tolk, Milanés recounted, "The guy was inside (the vehicle as it hit the woman's car), and I began to struggle with him when he shot me. I fell to the ground, luckily my head landed on gravel," he narrated. He then showed the extensive scar stretching across his chest, armpit, and part of his back, explaining it required over 100 stitches.
Doctors inserted a stent to repair arteries damaged by the bullet and halt the bleeding. Additionally, they made an incision in his back to drain blood from a lung. "I found myself between life and death," Milanés summarized. A few days ago, he was officially recognized in the U.S. Congressional Record for his bravery in rescuing the mother and her four children from the violent assault.
Recognition and Honor for Bravery
Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart introduced this commendation, highlighting the courage and selfless actions of the Cuban activist in the life-threatening situation. Beyond this Congressional acknowledgment, Milanés was also honored with the Sheriff’s Appreciation Award from the Collier County Police in southern Florida. Sheriff Kevin J. Rambosk expressed gratitude for Milanés' bravery, emphasizing that his actions exemplified heroism and selflessness.
The attacker, identified as Hilberto Callejas, 26, faces numerous charges for his violent behavior, including aggravated assault with a firearm, aggravated assault, shooting into an occupied vehicle, and child abuse, among other offenses.