Florida's Republican Senator Rick Scott has praised the recent indictment of Raúl Castro by the U.S. Department of Justice for his alleged role in the 1996 downing of two civilian aircraft belonging to Brothers to the Rescue. Scott described the indictment as "a historic day for the people of Cuba and the United States."
In a statement shared on his social media account, Scott outlined the charges against the former Cuban leader: conspiracy to murder U.S. nationals, destruction of aircraft, and four counts of murder.
"After three long decades, Raúl Castro is finally being held accountable for his crimes against the American people and the unimaginable pain inflicted on the families of Brothers to the Rescue," Scott expressed.
Scott further emphasized in an accompanying video that "all the troubles we face in Latin America start with the Cuban regime," and accused Castro of making the decision to kill three U.S. citizens and a legal resident.
The senator also described the Cuban government as "a cancer in the Western Hemisphere," a sentiment he has reiterated throughout his extensive campaign against Havana.
The charges were unveiled this Wednesday by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche at Miami's Freedom Tower, coinciding with Cuba's Independence Day celebrated on May 20. A federal grand jury from the Southern District of Florida had approved the indictment on April 23, 2026.
Alongside Raúl Castro, five Cuban military officials were charged, including Lorenzo Alberto Pérez-Pérez, identified as the pilot who launched missiles at the unarmed civilian Cessna planes over international waters in the Florida Straits.
Scott's reaction was anticipated; in March 2026, he publicly demanded Castro be indicted and brought to the U.S. for trial, stating, "I want Raúl Castro charged for his crimes, for killing Americans."
Earlier that year, in February, Scott and other Cuban-American lawmakers formally appealed to President Trump, urging the Department of Justice to prosecute Castro. On April 27, he called for the imprisonment of both Castro and Miguel Díaz-Canel during a Miami event.
The indictment was also welcomed by President Donald Trump, who remarked, "Miami's Cuban population appreciates what the Attorney General has accomplished today," and by Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar, who stated, "Today marks the beginning of the end for the Castro family."
The White House released a poster titled "ENEMIES OF AMERICA – NEUTRALIZED," featuring Castro marked as "INDICTED," along with other leaders targeted by Washington.
The Cuban government rebuffed the charges: Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez dismissed them as a "farce," while Díaz-Canel labeled them a "political act without any legal basis."
If convicted, the 94-year-old Raúl Castro could face the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Key Insights on Castro's Indictment and Its Implications
What charges has Raúl Castro been indicted for?
Raúl Castro has been indicted on charges of conspiracy to murder U.S. nationals, destruction of aircraft, and four counts of murder related to the 1996 downing of Brothers to the Rescue planes.
What could be the potential consequences for Raúl Castro if found guilty?
If convicted, Raúl Castro could face either the death penalty or a life sentence in prison.
How has the Cuban government responded to the indictment?
The Cuban government has rejected the charges, with Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez calling them a "farce" and Díaz-Canel describing them as a "political act without legal foundation."