Manuel Milanés Officially Invited to Trump's Presidential Inauguration

Cuban activist Manuel Milanés, who gained recognition from the U.S. Congress for his heroic actions in rescuing a woman and her children from an armed assailant, has received an official invitation to attend Donald Trump's presidential inauguration, set for January 20 in Washington, D.C. Milanés took to social media to share his arrival in Washington, showcasing a video of the invitation card featuring images of Trump and the Vice President-elect, JD Vance.

Expressing his gratitude, Milanés stated that he is honored by the invitation, which comes at a time when his life and relentless advocacy for human rights in Cuba continue to receive acknowledgment both in the United States and internationally. This recognition follows a harrowing incident where Milanés was shot while attempting to protect a woman and her four children from a man who, according to law enforcement, was repeatedly ramming his vehicle into theirs.

In his brave attempt to intervene, Milanés was shot in the chest at point-blank range by the attacker during a struggle. "I found myself at the brink of life and death," Milanés recounted in a recent interview, displaying the scar that still marks much of his chest and back. The injury necessitated over 100 stitches and the insertion of a stent to repair damaged arteries and halt internal bleeding. Additionally, Milanés suffered from blood accumulation in a lung, requiring emergency surgery to drain it.

Despite the severity of his injuries, the Cuban activist survived and was lauded for his courage by both the U.S. Congress and the Collier County Police, who presented him with the Sheriff’s Appreciation Award for his heroism.