A former political candidate from Florida has been charged with making violent threats against a rival during a congressional race.
William Robert Braddock III, who once ran against Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, is accused of threatening to use a "Russian-Ukrainian hit squad."
Just the News reports that the threats were made in 2021 but only recently resulted in charges after Braddock was deported from the Philippines.
Court documents reveal Braddock allegedly referred to Luna in disturbing terms during an audio recording. Despite his initial denial of the threats, a restraining order was issued against him.
The indictment specifies that Braddock, 41, threatened both Luna and a private citizen during a phone call. His remarks included plans to "make Victim 1 disappear," according to the Department of Justice. These threats led to his arrest after his return to the U.S.
Braddock reportedly left the country following the threats, residing in the Philippines until his recent deportation. His first court appearance in the U.S. took place in Los Angeles after his return.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, who eventually won the election in 2022, had previously reported serious threats to her safety, further highlighting the tensions during the campaign.
During the recorded conversation, Braddock allegedly called Luna derogatory names, expressing a willingness to resort to violence.
According to Politico, he said:
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 contesting the authenticity of the recording, Braddock's threats were enough to prompt legal action and a protective order.
The unsealed indictment marks a significant development in this case, as the legal system addresses the alleged threats. These charges underscore the serious nature of political rivalry turning dangerous.
The Department of Justice's intervention and the subsequent deportation of Braddock highlight the international scope of the case. The legal proceedings will determine the consequences he faces for his alleged actions.
The charges against William Robert Braddock III for threatening his political rival with death have sent shockwaves through Florida's political landscape. The case involves disturbing allegations of a planned "hit" using a "Russian-Ukrainian hit squad" against Rep. Anna Paulina Luna. This incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of political candidates and the intensity of rivalries in modern politics.
