A former political opponent of Florida Representative Anna Paulina Luna has been charged with threatening to kill her and another individual.
The charges against William Robert Braddock III were unsealed on September 29, 2024, and announced in a Department of Justice press release, Just The News reported.
Braddock III, who ran against Luna in the 2021 primary election for Florida’s 13th Congressional District, allegedly made the threats during a telephone call on June 8, 2021.
According to the indictment, he threatened to “call up my Russian-Ukrainian hit squad” to make the victim disappear. Braddock III was later found residing in the Philippines and was recently deported back to the United States, where he made his first court appearance in Los Angeles.
In an audio recording, Braddock III was caught referring to Luna as a “dead squirrel” and a “speed bump in the road.” The recording, done by a conservative activist, captured Braddock III saying:
I really don’t want to have to end anybody’s life for the good of the people of the United States of America. That will break my heart. But if it needs to be done, it needs to be done. Luna is a f—ing speed bump in the road. She’s a dead squirrel you run over every day when you leave the neighborhood.
Despite initially denying the threats, a judge later approved a restraining order against Braddock III. The incident highlights the importance of vigilance and security measures for political figures, who often face various forms of threats and harassment.
Braddock III’s threats were made public after Luna mentioned receiving a “very serious shooting threat” back in 2021. The incident was reported by NBC at the time.
Luna won the election for the House seat in Florida’s 13th Congressional District in 2022 after previously losing that seat to former Florida Governor Charlie Crist in the previous cycle.
The charges against Braddock III underscore the significance of legal protections for politicians and the necessity of strict enforcement of laws against threats and harassment. The Department of Justice’s involvement in the case demonstrates the seriousness with which such threats are treated.
The incident involving Braddock III and Luna is not an isolated event. Political figures often face threats and harassment, which can have serious implications for their safety and the democratic process. Ensuring the safety of political candidates and elected officials is crucial for maintaining the integrity of elections and the political system.
The arrest and charges against Braddock III serve as a reminder of the potential risks faced by political figures. It also highlights the importance of prompt and effective legal action to address such threats. The ongoing legal proceedings will determine the consequences for Braddock III’s actions.
William Robert Braddock III, a former opponent of Florida Representative Anna Paulina Luna, has been charged with threatening to kill her and another individual. The threats were made during a telephone call in 2021 and were captured in an audio recording.
Braddock III was recently deported from the Philippines and made his first court appearance in Los Angeles. Luna had previously mentioned receiving a serious shooting threat, and the charges against Braddock III highlight the need for vigilance and security measures in political campaigns.
