Deadly Boat Incident Highlights Florida Anti-Government Groups

Tensions rise as armed Cuban exile groups attempt infiltration of Cuba

Feb. 28, 2026 at 7:18am

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A stolen boat loaded with weapons and 10 people aboard departed the Florida Keys, but gunfire erupted before reaching Cuba. The Cuban government claims the men were terrorists seeking to infiltrate the country, while U.S. officials cast doubt on the account. The incident shines a light on the deep-rooted freedom movement among Cuban exiles in South Florida, including fringe elements who have long sought a violent overthrow of the island's communist leadership.

Why it matters

The fatal shooting highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, as well as the continued presence of anti-Castro groups in Florida that have a history of confrontational tactics, even as their influence has waned since the Cold War era. The incident raises questions about the Cuban government's claims and the potential for further escalation between the two countries.

The details

According to reports, a stolen boat with 10 people aboard and loaded with weapons departed the Florida Keys, but gunfire erupted before the boat reached Cuba. The Cuban government claims the men were violent criminals and terrorists seeking to infiltrate the country. However, U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have cast doubt on the Cuban account, describing the incident as "highly unusual." The counter-revolutionary groups involved, such as Alpha 66 and Omega 7, were once more prominent in the 1970s and 80s, but their influence has declined as their leaders were arrested for violent attacks on U.S. soil.

  • The fatal shooting occurred on Wednesday, February 26, 2026.

The players

Waymo

An American autonomous driving company and is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company.

Walker Reed Quinn

A 45-year-old San Francisco resident who has a history of vandalism and was out on bail for prior cases related to Waymo vehicles.

Rainbow Grocery Cooperative

A local food natural foods grocery store, organized as an employee-owned co-op and born out of a 1970s grassroots natural food movement calling for access to nutritious and organic food.

Gordon Edgar

A 31-year employee who oversees Rainbow's cheese counter.

Marco Rubio

U.S. Secretary of State who rose to prominence surrounded by the Cuban exile politics of Miami.

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What they’re saying

“It is an act of compassion for a Cuban people who are suffering. It was a sacrifice that has demonstrated the nobility and sensitivity towards freedom in Cuba.”

— Ernesto Díaz, Deputy Secretary General of Alpha 66

“If he went to Cuba it was because he wanted freedom for his country.”

— Marina Luz Padron, Ex-wife of Hector Cruz Correa, one of the reported victims (The Associated Press)

“He was an excellent person, very hardworking, very dedicated to his family. He always had the hope of freedom for Cuba.”

— Ibrahim Bosch, President of the Republican Party of Cuba

“They became so obsessed that they didn't think about the consequences nor their own lives.”

— Misael Ortega Casanova, Brother of Michel Ortega Casanova, one of the reported victims (The Associated Press)

What’s next

The U.S. government has said it will investigate the incident, which it described as "highly unusual." The outcome of this investigation could shed more light on the motivations and actions of the individuals involved.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the continued presence of anti-Castro groups in Florida, even as their influence has waned, and the potential for further escalation between the U.S. and Cuba. It also raises questions about the Cuban government's claims and the need for a thorough and impartial investigation to determine the facts.