The prominent Cuban activist and economist Manuel Milanés was recognized in the United States Congress Record for his bravery, after saving a mother and her four children from a violent attack in which he was shot.
Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart presented this distinction and highlighted the courage and selfless action of Milanés, who was shot in the chest while trying to protect his family in danger.
"Our community is fortunate to have heroes like Manuel and valuable first responders. All of them inspire hope for America's future and demonstrate that humanity and solidarity still exist," emphasized the Cuban American congressman.
The incident occurred on August 23, when Milanés heard screams for help from his home in Collier County. When he stepped out of his house, he encountered an armed man trying to open the door of a vehicle where the woman and her children were.
The incident escalated when the individual – a 26-year-old man later identified as Hilberto Callejas – rammed his vehicle into the woman’s and then got out of his car, approached the victim's car, and broke the glass of a window with a firearm, said local sheriff Kevin Rambosk.
Without hesitation, Milanés called the police and stood up for the woman who was in the car with the children, placing himself between her and Callejas, and in that moment the man shot him.
Thanks to the rapid intervention of emergency services, he was taken to the hospital and managed to make a full recovery.
In addition to the recognition from Congress, Milanés recently received the Sheriff’s Appreciation Award from the Collier County Police in South Florida. Sheriff Kevin J. Rambosk expressed his gratitude for the bravery of the Cuban opposition figure, highlighting that his actions were an example of heroism and selflessness.
"Thank you for dedicating and risking your lives to protect our community," the sheriff commented during the awards ceremony.
The Cuban community in the southern state was aware of Milanés's situation and recognized the heroic act of the influencer as an example of the solidarity and humanity that characterize Cubans.
The aggressor, identified as Hilberto Callejas, faces multiple charges for his violent behavior, including aggravated assault with a firearm, aggravated battery, discharging a firearm at an occupied vehicle, and child abuse, among others.
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