Rep. María Elvira Salazar, U.S. Representative for Florida’s 27th congressional district, used her social media accounts on February 18 and 19, 2026, to highlight the 30th anniversary of the Brothers to the Rescue shootdown and to announce her participation in related commemorative events.
On February 18, Salazar posted a tweet with a link: https://t.co/muzYsYS8oU.
The following day, she announced her appearance at a press conference alongside fellow lawmakers Mario Díaz-Balart (@mariodb), Carlos Giménez (@repcarlos), and Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody (@SenAshleyMoody). In her post from February 19, Salazar stated: ” Tune in today at 9:00 AM
I’ll be joining @mariodb, @repcarlos, and @SenAshleyMoody for a press conference marking the 30th Anniversary of Brothers to the Rescue, and remembering the brutal shootdown of their planes by the Cuban regime.
We honor the martyrs, defend the”.
Later that day, Salazar reiterated her support for those affected by the incident: “Standing with @mariodb, @repcarlos, and @SenAshleyMoody marking 30 years since the Brothers to the Rescue shootdown, alongside the families who have carried this pain for decades.
Four Americans were deliberately murdered in international airspace by the Cuban regime. Ordered https://t.co/3M2WFCRQEo“.
The Brothers to the Rescue shootdown occurred on February 24, 1996. Two civilian aircraft operated by Brothers to the Rescue—a Miami-based group assisting Cuban refugees—were shot down by Cuban Air Force MiG fighters over international waters. The attack resulted in the deaths of four members of the organization. The incident drew widespread condemnation from U.S. officials and contributed to heightened tensions between Cuba and the United States.
The posts from Rep. Salazar reflect ongoing efforts among South Florida lawmakers and community leaders to commemorate those killed in the incident and to maintain public awareness about its impact on families and U.S.-Cuba relations.