Senator Ashley Moody, R-Fla., has commented on the indictment of Raúl Castro, the former President of Cuba, on charges of murder and conspiracy. These charges relate to the 1996 shooting down of two American civilian aircraft, which resulted in the deaths of four American pilots. The discussion took place on the show ‘Sunday Night in America.’
Raúl Castro appeared publicly in Havana for the first time since the indictment by the Trump administration. He attended an Interior Ministry event, as reported by Reuters. This appearance occurred weeks after the Department of Justice revealed an indictment accusing him of involvement in the downing of aircraft operated by the Miami-based group, Brothers to the Rescue.
Castro faces charges of conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals, destruction of aircraft, and four counts of murder.
Raúl Castro waves a Cuban national flag during a May Day parade at Revolution Square in Havana, May 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)
Just days before the indictment’s release, Castro, now 95, was last seen during May Day celebrations in Havana. He had been absent from public life for months, appearing only at a January event in Cuba’s capital honoring soldiers killed during a U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Details of the 1996 Incident
The indictment focuses on a February 1996 event when Cuban military aircraft allegedly shot down two unarmed planes from Brothers to the Rescue. This incident resulted in the deaths of Carlos Costa, Armando Alejandre Jr., Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales. Prosecutors argue that the planes were outside of Cuban airspace when destroyed.
Fidel Castro and his brother Raul Castro attend a parade in Havana, Cuba, on Dec. 2, 1996. (Sven Creutzmann/Mambo Photography/Getty Images)
With rising Caribbean tensions, the indictment coincided with statements from Trump and his allies suggesting possible changes in Cuba’s government. President Trump expressed support for the indictment, noting the long-awaited accountability for Cuban Americans who suffered under the regime.
“We have big news on Cuba, with the indictment of Castro,” Trump stated. “A lot of people have suffered greatly, at levels that few understand.” Yet, he indicated there would be no escalation of tensions with Cuba.
Comparisons to Venezuela
The indictment of Castro drew comparisons to Trump’s previous pressure tactics against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Christine Balling, a Cuba expert, mentioned to Fox News Digital that the situation was symbolic. The U.S. had charged Maduro with narco-terrorism, increased sanctions on Venezuela’s oil industry, and supported opposition efforts to unseat him.
While some have speculated about similar tactics towards Castro, Balling noted, “Raúl Castro is 94 years old. It might not be worth the effort.” Nonetheless, she asserted that the indictment represents a clear stance from the U.S. against Castro’s regime.