The Cuban Jesmy García, a resident of the United States and a relative of the victims of the violent armed assault in Havana, has spoken to AméricaTeVé41 about the case.
He reported that the investigation is in the hands of an inspector from the National Revolutionary Police (PNR), but so far there have been no arrests, and the two motorcycles stolen that night have not been recovered.
García confirmed that the security guard of the motorcycles was threatened with a submachine gun (long gun) and with a stiletto or knife. He suffered physical assaults and was tied up. The man was not injured by any of the weapons but did experience a hypertensive crisis as a result of the violent incident.
The criminals entered the property by quietly jumping over a wall. There were six motorcycles under guard in the parking lot. They were only able to take two.
The background of the case
Last week, the report of this violent assault in the municipality of Marianao was made public, an incident that was recorded by security cameras. The footage shows what appears to be a long gun used in the robbery.
Jesmy García shared the videos on social media and asked for help to make them go viral and aid in finding the culprits. The moment when the two armed criminals approach the guard, threaten him, tie him up, and steal the motorcycles is captured on film.
García's nephew is one of the owners who lost his vehicle in this theft. The young man is a courier and had acquired his motorcycle with great effort to support his family as a single father.
In García's opinion, it is very unlikely that this type of firearm is in Cuba, and he suspected that it might belong to someone linked to the military or the police forces in Cuba.
"Whoever tells me that there are no weapons to defend Cuba, so that it can be free, I will laugh in their face. Look at the assault rifles those thugs had," he added in his statement.
Concern about the circulation of weapons in Cuba
The case has raised alarm among the residents of the area, who fear that the use of high-caliber weapons, such as a machine gun, is becoming more frequent in a context where public safety is already a concern.
In recent days, reports of assaults and robberies in Cuba involving firearms have increased. In a recent report, the General Customs of the Republic (AGR) acknowledged a rise in attempts to smuggle weapons into the country.
In 2024, an attempt to introduce "a significant number of weapons, 35 cases of drug trafficking, and more than 300 products related to smuggling activities" was detected. However, the exact quantity of seized weapons was not specified.
So far, the Cuban authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the violent assault in Marianao or the circulation of weapons in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Machine Gun Assault in Havana and the Rising Insecurity in Cuba
What happened in the armed assault in Havana?
The armed robbery in Havana involved two criminals who, armed with a submachine gun and a knife, threatened and tied up the guard of a parking lot to steal two motorcycles. The thieves jumped over a wall to enter the property and took the motorcycles under their custody. The incident was recorded by security cameras and has raised concerns among the local residents.
Why is the circulation of arms in Cuba worrying?
The circulation of firearms in Cuba, especially high-caliber weapons like machine guns, has raised alarms due to the increase in assaults and violent robberies. The General Customs of the Republic has acknowledged a rise in attempts to bring weapons into the country, which coincides with a context of growing citizen insecurity.
What has been the response of the Cuban authorities to this type of crime?
So far, Cuban authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the violent assault in Marianao or on the circulation of weapons in the country. The lack of action and official statements has resulted in criticism and mistrust in the government's ability to address the increasing insecurity.
What impact does insecurity have on the daily life of Cubans?
Insecurity has significantly affected the daily lives of Cubans, who live with the constant fear of becoming victims of violent crimes. The social deterioration and the rise in crime have generated a sense of vulnerability and distrust in the institutions responsible for protecting the population.
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