Illegal Immigrant Charged in Attempted Drowning Attack on Florida Beach

Venezuelan national accused of ambushing and trying to drown woman in random late-night assault

Mar. 1, 2026 at 9:39pm

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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 before leaving her for dead. The victim was able to regain consciousness and walk over a mile to a nearby beach to alert authorities. Hernandez Gonzalez was later apprehended and reportedly showed no remorse when informed the victim had survived the attack.

Why it matters

This incident highlights concerns about public safety and the potential risks posed by illegal immigrants, especially those with violent criminal histories, who are able to enter and remain in the United States. The case has sparked renewed debate over immigration enforcement and the Biden administration's policies regarding illegal border crossings and temporary protected status.

The details

According to police, the attack occurred around 11 p.m. on Tiger Shores Beach in Stuart, Florida. The victim was walking along the shoreline while on her phone when Hernandez Gonzalez allegedly approached her from behind, struck her, pushed her into the water, and attempted to drown her. The victim lost consciousness during the struggle, at which point Hernandez Gonzalez reportedly believed she was dead and threw her cell phone into the ocean. When the victim regained consciousness, she was able to walk over a mile to a nearby beach and alert a sheriff's deputy.

  • The incident occurred around 11 p.m. on Sunday, February 20, 2026.
  • Hernandez Gonzalez was arrested following a days-long search after an individual 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 accused of ambushing and attempting to drown a woman on a Florida beach.

Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek

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

Tricia McLaughlin

The Assistant Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security who stated that Hernandez Gonzalez is "a product of the Biden administration's open-border policies" and that "criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S."

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What they’re saying

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

— John Budensiek, Martin County Sheriff

“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 incident underscores the need for stronger border security and immigration enforcement to prevent dangerous individuals from illegally entering the country and committing violent crimes against American citizens. It also raises questions about the Biden administration's policies regarding temporary protected status and the release of illegal immigrants.