Florida Secures No-Bond Arrest Warrant For Raúl Castro In 1996 Shootdown
Miami-Dade County has issued a no-bond arrest warrant charging former Cuban leader Raúl Castro with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in Florida.[1]
The charge stems from the Feb. 24, 1996 shootdown of two Brothers to the Rescue civilian planes that killed four American pilots.[1] Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier's Office of Statewide Prosecution will handle the multi-circuit conspiracy case and plans a press conference with Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday, Oct. 19, 2026.[1]
On Feb. 24, 1996, Cuban fighters shot down two Brothers to the Rescue civilian planes over international waters, killing four U.S. pilots.[1] The warrant cites a recorded post-incident statement in which Castro said he had orders to shoot down the planes at sea without consulting anyone.[1]
Florida authorities say they are seeking full extradition of Raúl Castro even though federal prosecutors have an ongoing case over the same incident.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- Miami-Dade County issued a no-bond arrest warrant charging Raúl Castro with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder.
- The case stems from the Feb. 24, 1996 shootdown of two Brothers to the Rescue civilian aircraft that killed four American pilots.
- Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution will handle the multi-circuit conspiracy case and plans a press conference with Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday, October 19, 2026.
- The warrant references Raúl Castro’s recorded post‑incident statement describing prior orders to shoot down the planes at sea without consulting anyone.
- Florida authorities say they are seeking full extradition of Raúl Castro despite an existing federal prosecution over the same incident.
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