Washington, D.C

Cuban Embassy in Washington, DC attacked with Molotov cocktails

Published

1 year ago

September 26, 2023

Cuban Embassy in Washington, DC attacked with Molotov cocktails

Two Molotov cocktails were thrown at the embassy in the second attack since shots were fired at the diplomatic compound in 2020.

An assailant attacked the Cuban Embassy in the United States capital of Washington, DC with two Molotov cocktails, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla said on social media, adding that nobody was hurt.

The attack occurred on Sunday night just hours after Cuba’s leader Miguel Diaz-Canel returned to the island, having attended events at the United Nations in New York last week.

No one took responsibility for the attack, which caused no significant damage or casualties, according to Cuban officials, although Havana quickly pinned blame on Cuban exiles in the US.

“Anti-Cuban groups turn to terrorism when they feel impunity, something Cuba has repeatedly warned US authorities about,” Rodriguez said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

En la noche de hoy, 24/9, la Embajada de #Cuba en EEUU fue objeto de un ataque terrorista de un individuo que lanzó 2 cocteles molotov. No hubo daños al personal. Se están precisando los detalles.
Es el segundo ataque violento contra la sede diplomática en Washington, ⤵️
— Bruno Rodríguez P (@BrunoRguezP) September 25, 2023

[Unofficial translation: “Tonight, 9/24, the #Cuba Embassy in the US was the target of a terrorist attack by an individual who threw 2 Molotov cocktails. There were no injuries to personnel. The details are being worked out. It is the second violent attack against the diplomatic headquarters in Washington.”]

Cuba’s President Diaz-Canel denounced that attack and said he was awaiting “action from the North American authorities”.

“Hatred once again last night caused a terrorist attack against our embassy in Washington, an act of violence and weakness that could have cost precious lives,” he wrote on X.

El odio lanzó anoche, otra vez, un ataque terrorista contra nuestra Embajada en #Washington, en un acto de violencia y de impotencia que pudo costar valiosas vidas.
Lo denunciamos y esperamos acción de las autoridades norteamericanas.#Cuba 🇨🇺
— Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez (@DiazCanelB) September 25, 2023

The Cuban leader’s appearance last week at the UN was met with demonstrations by opponents of the Communist government in Havana founded by Fidel Castro.

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on Monday that the US strongly condemned the reported attack.

“We are in contact with Cuban embassy officials and law enforcement authorities to ensure an appropriate and timely investigation as well as to offer our support for future protective efforts,” he said in a statement.

US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters that his department was coordinating with Washington, DC police in the investigation.

A US Secret Service spokesperson was cited by NBC News as saying that no arrests had been made and there was no fire or significant damage to the building.

While Washington, DC frequently sees protests outside foreign embassies, attacks are rare and the US routinely denounces incidents that affect its missions overseas.

The throwing of Molotov cocktails was the second violent attack against the Cuban embassy in Washington, DC, Cuba’s foreign minister said.

Rodriguez said shots had been fired at the building from a rifle in 2020. That shooting left bullet holes in exterior walls and columns, broke a street lamp and damaged several panes of glass and mouldings on the front of the building.

US authorities arrested Alexander Alazo over the shooting, charging him with multiple offences, according to the US Justice Department.

The Cuban Embassy reopened as a full mission in 2015 when the countries restored diplomatic ties severed since 1961.

The re-opening came amid a reconciliation bid by former US President Barack Obama, who believed that decades of US efforts to isolate the island had failed.

His successor, Donald Trump, backed by staunchly anti-communist Latino voters in the politically vital state of Florida, reversed most of Obama’s overtures.

President Joe Biden has mostly kept in place Trump’s policy of pressure and imposed sanctions after Cuba was rocked by unusual mass protests in July 2021.

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Washington, D.C

D.C. Age Debate Reignites After Rep Found at Old Folks’ Home

Published

7 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Press Room

D.C. Age Debate Reignites After Rep Found at Old Folks’ Home

Politics

Rep. Kay Granger was found to be residing at an independent living facility in Texas following a six-month, unexplained absence from the Capitol.

Updated Dec. 22 2024 6:05PM EST / Published Dec. 22 2024 5:35PM EST

Tom Williams/Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

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Washington, D.C

Mayor Bowser, Commanders' Josh Harris, and other local leaders react to RFK Stadium deal

Published

15 hours ago

December 22, 2024

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Mayor Bowser, Commanders' Josh Harris, and other local leaders react to RFK Stadium deal

WASHINGTON (7News) — After years of debate, false starts, and controversy, the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act was passed in the Senate with unanimous consent, paving the way for the Washington Commanders to return to D.C.

Now, local leaders are speaking about the benefits, and potential drawbacks, of a new football stadium in the city.

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC)

D.C. has scored a victory in its fight for self-determination just in time for the holidays. When the bill is signed into law by President Biden, D.C. will get to decide for itself what to do with the largest unused tract of land remaining in the District. I look forward to seeing the site transformed from crumbling blight to a productive and bustling complex that will generate significant revenue for the nation’s capital.

Throughout my career in Congress, I’ve prioritized transferring unused federal land to D.C. or the private sector, enabling the redevelopment of neighborhoods, generating tax revenue and bringing much-needed space to the District.

Maryland U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen

Maryland has been the proud home of the Commanders for over two decades and we continue to believe that this partnership should continue long into the future. After working to level the financial playing field, and receiving assurances that should the team move they will redevelop the existing site in a manner that meets the needs of the community, tonight we supported the proposed land transfer legislation. We have always supported the District’s effort to control its own land, and through regional discussions and cooperation, our concerns with this proposal have been addressed.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser

Josh Harris, Managing Partner of the Washington Commanders

We are extremely grateful that our elected officials have come together on a bipartisan basis to give Washington D.C. the opportunity to decide on the future of the RFK stadium site. This bill will create an equal playing field so that all potential future locations for the home of the Washington Commanders can be fairly considered and give our franchise the opportunity to provide the best experience for all of our fans.

Congressman Glenn Ivey (D-Md)

Maryland should have the chance to compete to keep the Commanders here.

I opposed this bill in the House, and I oppose it today, because federal taxpayers should not be required to subsidize an NFL stadium by offering a 99-year lease of the RFK campus for free. That’s not fair to the taxpayers, and it’s not fair to Maryland because it undermines Maryland’s chance to compete on a level playing field.

But we can still win. Our site offers two nearby Metro stations, superior highway access, and a larger campus for parking. Now that the Dan Snyder era is over and the Harris team has brought winning football back to the DMV, a state-of-the-art indoor stadium would jumpstart redevelopment in the area and trigger property appreciation in short order. In addition to the ten games or so the Commanders play, the stadium could be used year-round for events like the Final Four and music concerts. Working closely with the Harris team–which owns much of the land around the stadium–we could create an economic win-win that would benefit the community, the region, the team, and the fans.

Maryland looks forward to working with the Harris team to make that vision a reality.

DC Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie

DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson

We are grateful the legislation passed and that this large tract will not continue to deteriorate with a crumbling stadium on it.

At the same time, it is unfortunate that the Senate found unanimous consent to move the legislation concerning RFK, but is leaving untouched ten judicial vacancies. This continues to be a setback to the District’s public safety ecosystem. I would also be remiss to not emphasize that the continuing resolution underfunds, our police by $10 million.

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Washington, D.C

LIST: Free, engaging options in DC for your kids, families during Winter break

Published

23 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Press Room

LIST: Free, engaging options in DC for your kids, families during Winter break

WASHINGTON, D.C. (7News) — Mayor Muriel Bowser, along with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), is offering dozens of activities for kids and families during the 2024-2025 Winter break.

“These initiatives provide young people with safe and engaging activities from Dec. 21 through Dec. 31. While many events are designed for all age groups, DPR is also hosting specialized programming for teenagers, creating dedicated spaces for them to connect, socialize, and have fun,” the Mayor said in a press release.

READ MORE | Man killed in Walker Mill shooting, marks 100th murder in Prince George’s County this year

Here are a list of the activities:

Community Toy Giveaway: Toy distribution and cocoa for children in the community

When: Saturday, Dec. 21, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Fort Stevens Recreation Center, 1327 Van Buren Street, NW

Movie Field Trip: Sonic 3: Young people can enjoy a field trip to see Sonic 3, with multiple pickup locations

When: Saturday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Register HERE

Grinchmas at Kenilworth: Join us for a community holiday Grinch-themed party

When: Saturday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Kenilworth Recreation Center, 4321 Ord Street, NE

Community Christmas Extravaganza: An event for the distribution of toys, hygiene products, coats, and used clothing to those in need

When: Saturday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Rosedale Community Center, 1701 Gales Street, NE

Holiday Hype: A festive gathering at the MLK Library for all ages

When: Saturday, Dec. 21, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: MLK Library, 901 G Street NW
Register HERE

SEE ALSO | Crews, carjackings and youth crime: 7News speaks with US Attorney Matthew Graves

Just Cares Toys for Tots Youth Basketball Tournament: This holiday basketball tournament and charity event will include Santa picture booth, entertainment, toy giveaways, and adult and kids basketball games!

When: Sunday, Dec. 22, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Deanwood Community Center, 1350 49th Street, NE

Water Cycle and Aqua Fitness: Water-based activities and fitness sessions

Where: Ferebee-Hope Aquatic Center, 700 Yuma Street SE
Water Cycle: Dec. 24 and 26, 3 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Aqua Fitness: Dec. 24 and 26, 6 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.

eSports and Gaming Tournaments

eSports Throwback & Brawlhalla Tournament: Columbia Heights Community Center, Dec. 23, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
eSports 2K24 Tournament: Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, Dec. 26, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Winter E-Gaming Tournament: Hillcrest Recreation Center, Dec. 27, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
eSports Madden Tournament: Deanwood Community Center, Dec. 27, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Holiday Drip: Celebrate the season with music and water-based fun

When: Dec. 27, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Barry Farm Aquatic Center, 1230 Sumner Road SE

Holiday Sing-Along: Come out to sing your favorite holiday carols

When: Monday, Dec. 30, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Kennedy Recreation Center, 1401 7th Street, NW

Holiday Movie Night: Come out to the Joseph Cole Recreation Center for a holiday movie

Where: Joseph Cole Recreation Center, 1299 Neal Street, NE
When: Monday, Dec. 23 and Dec. 30, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Teen Time: Teens will have the chance to play minute-to-win-it games, board games, art activities, and basketball!

When: Friday, Dec. 27, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Ridge Road Community Center, 830 Ridge Road, SE,

Teen Time: Teens will have the chance to play minute-to-win games, board games, art activities, and basketball!

When: Monday, Dec. 23, Tuesday, Dec. 24, Monday, Dec. 30, and Tuesday, Dec. 31, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Rosedale Community Center, 1701 Gales Street, NE

High School Lifeguard Training: Comprehensive lifeguard training for high school students at multiple locations

Ballou HS Aquatic Center, 3401 4th Street SE: Dec. 22 – 24, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Dunbar HS Aquatic Center, 101 N Street NW: Dec. 26 – 28, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Roosevelt HS Aquatic Center, 4301 13th Street NW: Dec. 29 – 31, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Rumsey Aquatic Center, 635 North Carolina Avenue SE: Dec. 29 – 31, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Junior Lifeguard Academy: A training program for youth ages 9 to 15 interested in lifeguarding, with sessions offered at various aquatic centers