Duval Times

Today, Senator Rick Scott issued a statement regarding the ongoing situation in Venezuela, where Nicolás Maduro continues to hold power despite the election of Edmundo González as president. According to Scott, Maduro is using any means necessary to maintain control over a population that does not support him.

Senator Scott expressed concern about Maduro's actions, stating, "The Venezuelan people elected Edmundo González as their rightful president, but Nicolás Maduro is desperate and using any means necessary to hold power over a people who don’t want him." He highlighted the issue of hostages being held by Maduro from various countries including America, Ecuador, Spain, and Argentina.

Scott accused Maduro of using these hostages as bargaining chips and scare tactics against both the Venezuelan people and the United States. He mentioned threats against María Corina Machado and the kidnapping of family members of President-Elect González as part of these tactics.

In response to these developments, Senator Scott has contacted Secretary of State Antony Blinken. He emphasized that "the United States must protect American lives and stand for freedom and democracy in Venezuela," adding that "the United States will NOT stand down or take threats from a murderous dictator lightly."