Prominent Cuban activist Manuel Milanés, recognized by the U.S. Congress for intervening to save a woman and her children from an armed assailant, received an official invitation to attend Donald Trump's presidential inauguration, scheduled for January 20 in Washington, D.C.
Milanés shared on his social media the moment he arrived in Washington and showed in a video the invitation card featuring the faces of Trump and future Vice President, JD Vance.
He stated that he feels honored by the invitation, which comes at a time when his life and efforts in defense of human rights in Cuba continue to be recognized both in the United States and internationally.
Additionally, this comes after Milanés was shot while trying to defend a woman and her four children, who were being harassed by a man that, according to the police, was repeatedly crashing his vehicle into the car they were in.
While attempting to intervene, Milanés was shot in the chest by the assailant, who fired at point-blank range while struggling with him.
"I found myself between life and death," Milanés recounted in a recent interview, revealing the scar that still covers much of his chest and back.
The wound required more than 100 stitches and the placement of a stent to repair damaged arteries and stop the internal bleeding.
Milanés also suffered from blood accumulation in a lung, necessitating drainage during an emergency operation.
Despite the severity of his injuries, the Cuban activist survived and was recognized for his bravery both in the United States Congress and by the Collier County Sheriff's Office, which awarded him the Sheriff’s Appreciation Award for his heroism.
Frequently Asked Questions about Manuel Milanés and his invitation to Trump's inauguration
Why was Manuel Milanés invited to Donald Trump's presidential inauguration?
Manuel Milanés was invited to the inauguration of Donald Trump due to his recognized bravery and activism in defense of human rights. His intervention to save a woman and her children from an armed aggressor earned him recognition from the United States Congress and the Collier County Police, highlighting his heroism and making him deserving of this honor.
How was Manuel Milanés injured during the incident in Florida?
Manuel Milanés was shot in the chest by an armed assailant while trying to defend a woman and her four children. The assailant, Hilberto Callejas, was repeatedly ramming his vehicle into the car where the woman and the children were. Milanés intervened to protect them, getting injured during the struggle.
What recognitions has Manuel Milanés received for his bravery?
Manuel Milanés has received recognition from the United States Congress and the Sheriff’s Appreciation Award from Collier County for his bravery. These honors highlight his heroic act of saving a family from a violent attack, risking his own life in the process.
Who is the assailant that attacked Manuel Milanés?
The assailant who attacked Manuel Milanés has been identified as Hilberto Callejas. Callejas faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault with a firearm, aggravated battery, shooting into an occupied vehicle, and child abuse, following the domestic violence incident in which he shot Milanés.
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