Illegal Immigrant Charged in Attempted Drowning Attack on Florida Beach

Venezuelan national Said Alexander Hernandez Gonzalez accused of ambushing and trying to drown woman in random attack

Mar. 1, 2026 at 3:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 26-year-old Venezuelan national, Said Alexander Hernandez Gonzalez, has been arrested and charged with attempted first-degree premeditated murder after allegedly ambushing a woman on a Florida beach, striking her, pushing her into the water, and attempting to drown her in a random late-night attack. The victim survived the assault after losing consciousness and later waking up partially in the water.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about public safety and the immigration policies that allowed the alleged perpetrator, an illegal immigrant, to be in the country. It also raises questions about the challenges law enforcement faces in preventing and responding to random acts of violence.

The details

According to authorities, Hernandez Gonzalez approached the victim from behind as she was walking along the shoreline in Stuart, Florida around 11 PM, struck her, pushed her into the ocean, and tried to drown her. The victim lost consciousness during the struggle, and Hernandez Gonzalez believed she was dead, throwing her phone into the ocean before leaving. The victim later regained consciousness and walked over a mile to find a sheriff's deputy.

  • The incident occurred around 11 PM on Sunday, February 19, 2026 at Tiger Shores Beach in Stuart, Florida.
  • Hernandez Gonzalez was taken into custody a few days later after someone reported a suicidal male claiming to have killed someone on a local beach.

The players

Said Alexander Hernandez Gonzalez

A 26-year-old Venezuelan national who is in the U.S. illegally and has been charged with attempted first-degree premeditated murder for the alleged attack.

Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek

The sheriff who described the case as an "extremely alarming" random act of violence that was difficult to solve.

Tricia McLaughlin

The Assistant Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security who criticized the Biden administration's immigration policies in relation to this case.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“When asked if he felt any remorse, his response was, 'No, I don't feel nothing.'”

— Sheriff John Budensiek

“Said Alexander Hernandez Gonzalez — a product of the Biden administration's open-border policies — brutally attacked a woman on the beach and attempted to drown and kill her. She bravely fought back and survived this wicked attack. ICE has lodged an immigration detainer with the Martin County Sheriff's office, and because of Florida's cooperation with ICE, this sicko will never walk American streets again.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary, Department of Homeland Security

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Hernandez Gonzalez to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over immigration policies, public safety, and the challenges law enforcement faces in responding to random acts of violence committed by those who have entered the country illegally. It also underscores the importance of cooperation between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement to address such incidents.