Florida Revives Probe Into Raul Castro Over 1996 Shootdown

State investigation into former Cuban leader's role in attack on exile group's planes to be reopened

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Florida's attorney general announced that a state-level criminal investigation into former Cuban leader Raul Castro's role in the 1996 shootdown of four planes operated by anti-communist exiles will be reopened. The investigation was previously shut down by the Biden administration but is now being reactivated.

Why it matters

The renewed interest in the case comes as the U.S. takes an increasingly aggressive stance against Cuba's communist leadership, particularly in the wake of the capture of its close ally, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. This investigation could potentially lead to accountability for the deaths of Florida citizens in the 1996 incident.

The details

In 1996, two planes operated by the anti-communist exile group Brothers to the Rescue were shot down by Cuban fighter jets, killing all four people on board. Several Miami Republicans and Florida Sen. Rick Scott have called for the Trump administration to reopen the criminal investigation into Raul Castro's alleged role in ordering the shootdown. Florida's attorney general said the state-level investigation that was previously shut down will now be ongoing.

  • The 1996 shootdown of the Brothers to the Rescue planes occurred in February.
  • The 30th anniversary of the shootdown is approaching in February 2026.

The players

Raul Castro

Former leader of Cuba who was head of the Cuban military at the time of the 1996 shootdown.

James Uthmeier

Florida's attorney general who announced the reopening of the state-level investigation into Raul Castro's role in the 1996 incident.

Rick Scott

Florida senator who has called for the Trump administration to reopen the criminal investigation into Raul Castro.

Maria Elvira Salazar

U.S. Representative from Florida who has called for accountability for Raul Castro's alleged role in the 1996 shootdown.

Carlos Gimenez

U.S. Representative from Florida who has called for accountability for Raul Castro's alleged role in the 1996 shootdown.

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What they’re saying

“We believe unequivocally that Raul Castro is responsible for this heinous crime. It is time for him to be brought to justice.”

— Maria Elvira Salazar and Carlos Gimenez, U.S. Representatives (Letter to Trump)

“I can't really say too much more at this point, but we are going to continue this investigation. I know a lot of members of the state legislature and other people here in Florida would like to see some resolution and ideally accountability.”

— James Uthmeier, Florida Attorney General (News conference)

What’s next

The judge overseeing the case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Raul Castro to be extradited to Florida to face charges.

The takeaway

This investigation could potentially hold a former foreign leader accountable for the deaths of Florida citizens, marking a significant development in efforts to seek justice for the 1996 shootdown incident that has long remained unresolved.