It is the obligation of states to take all appropriate measures to protect the premises of embassies against any intrusion or damage, and to avoid disturbing the peace of a mission or violating its dignity

During the dawn hours today, April 30, 2020, an unknown individual fired a gun into the Cuban Embassy in the United States. The official website of the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that no staff members suffered injury, as all were safely protected, although the building was damaged.

The Cuban government has no information about the individual involved, who was detained by local authorities at the scene and is in custody, the Ministry indicated.

The Cuban diplomatic mission in Washington D.C. has a protection and security system in place, to respond to any threat against personnel or facilities.

The Cuban government is awaiting news from U.S. authorities on the investigation, including the identity of the suspect and his motivations for the aggression, as well as other circumstances surrounding the event. The State Department is aware of the event.

It is the obligation of states to take all appropriate measures to protect the premises of diplomatic missions accredited in their country against any intrusion or damage and to avoid disturbing the peace of a mission or violating its dignity, the Ministry press release concludes.

According to several press agencies, the incident began around 2:00 am, outside the embassy in northwest Washington. The metropolitan police moved to the site after neighbors reported hearing gunshots, authorities stated.

Images of the site posted on social media show a group of police outside the building after the shots were fired and investigators searching a vehicle parked there. Agents from the Metropolitan Police and the U.S. Secret Service were investigating.