PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — Emotional reactions are pouring in across South Florida after the United States indicted former Cuban leader Raul Castro on murder and conspiracy charges tied to the 1996 shootdown of two humanitarian planes.

The case stems from an incident nearly three decades ago, when planes operated by Brothers to the Rescue were shot down, killing four men.

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Miami is home to the largest Cuban exile community in the united states, including families directly tied to the 1996 “brothers to the rescue” shootdown case at the center of the indictment. the victims were closely connected to that exile community, giving this case lasting emotional weight for many in South Florida.

Brothers to the Rescue was a Miami-based humanitarian group that searched for Cuban rafters fleeing the island during the 1990s migration crisis. in 1996, Cuban fighter jets shot down two of the group’s civilian planes, killing four men. federal prosecutors now allege Raúl Castro ordered the attack.

For many Cuban Americans in South Florida, the case represents decades of unresolved anger toward the Castro government, a demand for accountability, and symbolic justice for exile families who fled communist Cuba.

Cuban-Americans living in Palm Beach County said the indictment marks what they see as long-overdue accountability.

“Nations and their leaders cannot be permitted to target Americans, kill them and not face accountability,” Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said.

Across the region — including in West Palm Beach — people gathered and shared their reactions, with many calling the decision a step toward justice.

“This is the beginning for finally Cubans be free,” said Susana Lopez-Gonzalez, a Palm Beach County resident who says the news hits close to home with family still in Cuba.

Others say like Noemy Sanchez who is originally from Guatemala said the moment resonates beyond the Cuban community.

“Finally this government is doing something for them, and I’m very happy because I believe they suffered so much,” said Sanchez.

For some, the announcement is not just about justice — but hope for change.

“Finally my country is going to be free,” said Margarita Mora. “It’s going to be little steps, but for me, so far it’s a big step.”

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier also weighed in, praising the move and criticizing Cuba’s government.

“We’ve seen where communism has brought us,” Uthmeier said.

U.S. Senator Rick Scott called the indictment “a good day for America” and “a good day for Cuba.”

Federal officials say the charges come out of a Miami grand jury indictment and are part of broader efforts to hold Cuban leadership accountable as pressure on Havana continues.

For many in South Florida, the development is deeply personal — a moment tied to decades of loss, advocacy and the hope that change could still come to Cuba.