The United States has expelled a Cuban diplomat following a heated confrontation at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed the order after the official, identified as first secretary Richard Tur de la Concepción, allegedly shoved and attempted to assault a member of U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz's team.

Waltz announced the expulsion during an appearance on Fox News' Hannity program Wednesday night. He stated that the diplomat would be on a plane to Havana within 24 hours. "He's gone. He is going to be on a plane to Havana within the next 24 hours," Waltz said. "You lay a hand on an American here in the United States, President Trump, Secretary Rubio and myself, we're not gonna stand for it."

The incident unfolded during the annual General Assembly debate on the U.S. economic embargo against Cuba. Waltz, delivering remarks critical of the Havana regime's corruption and human rights record, displayed images highlighting privileges enjoyed by Cuban leaders, including luxury watches associated with Fidel Castro and President Miguel Díaz-Canel. Members of the Cuban delegation, including Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, interrupted with shouts and table-pounding, demanding a point of order.

Rodríguez then approached the podium and called Waltz a liar. Waltz responded forcefully, declaring, "This individual needs to back away from this podium. He's not going to intimidate me in the United States of America." He added, "I'm the representative of the United States of America. Back up! This isn't Havana."

Video shared by Waltz captured Tur de la Concepción attempting to seize a phone from Waltz's spokesman, JP Freire, who was recording the exchange. The Cuban official was accused of pushing the American diplomat in the process.

The clash reflects ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the Cuban government. Waltz, a former national security adviser to President Trump, has taken a hard line against the regime. The expulsion underscores the administration's refusal to tolerate physical interference with U.S. personnel on American soil.

Cuba's delegation later described the events in a letter to U.N. Secretary General António Guterres, claiming their diplomat faced pressure from U.S. representatives. The episode occurred ahead of a Wednesday vote on a resolution condemning the U.S. embargo.

The State Department has not released additional details on the diplomat's departure timeline beyond Waltz's statements. The move aligns with broader U.S. policy emphasizing accountability for actions against American officials abroad and at international forums.