Cuban Embassy In Washington Struck By Gunfire, Suspect Arrested

A man armed with a high-powered assault fired multiple rounds at the Cuban embassy in Washington early Thursday, authorities said, damaging the building but without causing any injuries.

Police arrested the suspect, identified as 42-year-old Alexander Alazo of Aubrey, Texas.

"This morning at approximately 2:15 am, US Secret Service officers responded to the Embassy of Cuba following reports of shots fired," the Secret Service said in a statement.

"One individual was arrested for being in possession of an unregistered firearm as well as unregistered ammunition, assault with the intent to kill, and possession of a high capacity feed device.

"No injuries were reported at the scene."

While the suspect was arrested by Washington police, the investigation also includes the Secret Service, which is involved in assuring the security of foreign diplomats and embassies.

"The subject was immediately taken into custody without incident and the weapon was recovered," Hugh Carew, a spokesman for the Washington Metropolitan Police Department, said in a statement.

Alazo was charged with assault with intent to kill, he said. It was not known if more charges were forthcoming.

There was no motive given for the attack.

Local media said the suspect fired about 30 rounds at the embassy, located at the edge of the Adams Morgan neighborhood, a normally bustling area full of bars and restaurants but which has been stilled by the coronavirus shutdown.

The embassy posted pictures of bullet holes in the exterior walls and columns, a window and a light fixture.

"Mission staff was not injured and is safe. Investigation is in progress," Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez tweeted.

"It is the responsibility of states to protect diplomats accredited to them and their facilities," he said.

The administration of President Donald Trump has chilled relations with Havana, reversing course after an opening initiated by his predecessor Barack Obama.

In October 2017, it expelled 15 Cuban diplomats after a rash of incidents in which US embassy staff in Cuba reported as yet unexplained head pains, dizziness and hearing loss.