South Florida Politicians Voice Support For People Of Venezuela, Interim President Juan Guaidó
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Venezuelans living in South Florida were excited Tuesday as they watched live coverage of what's happening on the streets of Caracas.
"Right now, I'm so happy for the people in Venezuela because we can see the freedom so near," said Ramon Rodriguez.
Thousands of Venezuelans turned to the streets after interim President Juan Guaidó declared Tuesday, "the start of the end of the usurpation," in a dawn address in which he was flanked by men in military fatigues and armored vehicles in the capital Caracas.
Guaidó has led months of protest against the Nicolas Maduro government. Tuesday marked his boldest attempt yet to involve the military in the removal of the Venezuelan president.
SEE PHOTOS FROM TUESDAY'S CLASHES
Yelling, "Guaidó, Guaidó, Guaidó," South Florida Venezuelans are cheering for the interim president while rallying in Doral.
"We're happy," said Indira Estal. "We're hoping that this is the way for freedom for Venezuela, for our country. We're just waiting for Freedom."
Late Tuesday, Guaidó released a video in which he said that Wednesday, May 1st was going to be a big day; the day that Venezuelans who oppose the Nicholas Maduro regime should hit the streets for an even bigger protest than what we saw Tuesday.
For many, the day was an emotional one as people packed into the El Arepazo restaurant.
They're watching every movement on the streets of Venezuela.
"I think today is the day to start and it's the day. Definitely it's the day," said Guaidó supporter Oscar Puig. "But it's a good start and we have to continue moving forward with this peaceful movement."
The crowd was so large that El Arepazo couldn't fit everyone inside, so the rally and celebration spilled out into the parking lot. Everyone was hopeful, expecting change.
"This might be the biggest moment in the history [of Venezuela] and I hope that it finishes," said Angel Dos Santos. "I mean let's finish this government and let's go into peace."
Many South Florida political leaders are throwing their support behind Guaidó, like City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez.
"I've always felt as the military's participation was going to be to accelerating the process of democracy," Mayor Suarez said. "As mayor of the city of Miami I'm going to do everything in my power to support the president's efforts."
In addition to Mayor Suarez, the actions by Guaidó and the Venezuelan people have received support from several South Florida politicians.
This is the moment for those military officers in #Venezuela to fulfill their constitutional oath & defend the legitimate interim President @jguaido in this effort to restore democracy. You can write history in the hours & days ahead.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) April 30, 2019
Legitimate Interim President of #Venezuela @jguaido has been joined this morning by members of military at the Miranda Air Force base in #Caracas.
It is time for every branch of govt including TSJ to help restore constitutional order.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) April 30, 2019
After years of suffering freedom is waiting for people of #Venezuela. Do not let them take this opportunity from you.
Now is the moment to take to the streets in support of your legitimate constitutional government.
Do not allow this moment to slip away. It may not come again
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) April 30, 2019
Senator Rick Scott also urged the military to support the people of Venezuela to take back their country.
Today, will be an important day in the history of the #Venezuela.
Military leaders have a choice: support the rightful President, @jguaido and freedom & democracy for the people or stand with @NicolasMaduro, whose evil reign is about to be left on the ash heap of history.
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) April 30, 2019
I spoke to @AmbJohnBolton this morning. The situation in #Venezuela is fluid and information is sketchy as social media has been largely shut down.
But the United States stands with the patriots of Venezuela fighting for their life, liberty and sacred honor. #OperaciónLibertad
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) April 30, 2019
U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz posted a video of her support for the people of Venezuela.
I stand for democracy in Venezuela. #VenezuelaLibre pic.twitter.com/ERi3nNJ7Zn
— Rep. Wasserman Schultz (@RepDWStweets) April 30, 2019
U.S Representatives Donna Shalala and Debbie Mucarsel-Powell also tweeted their support.
Today Venezuela dawns with the air of freedom! We stand with the Venezuelan people and interim president @jguaido in these decisive hours as they restore their democracy. #VivaVenezuelaLibre #OperaciónLibertad
— Rep. Donna E. Shalala (@RepShalala) April 30, 2019
I'm watching this situation closely. These are critical moments for Venezuelans in their efforts to restore their democracy. Maduro and the military forces that remain loyal to him must transfer power peacefully to the legitimate leader, @jguaido. #VenezuelaLibre https://t.co/lHhAYPBR2F
— Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (@RepDMP) April 30, 2019