William Robert Braddock III, a Florida Republican, is facing serious accusations of threatening to kill Anna Paulina Luna, his former primary election opponent.
At a Glance
- The Justice Department charged William Robert Braddock III for threatening to kill Republican congressional representative Anna Paulina Luna in 2021.
- Braddock allegedly threatened to “call up my Russian-Ukrainian hit squad” to kill Luna.
- The indictment was unsealed on Thursday, and Braddock is accused of making multiple threats on 8 June 2021.
- Braddock left the US, was living in the Philippines, and recently deported back to the US.
- Braddock made his first court appearance in Los Angeles on Thursday.
Serious Threats from a Political Rival
The Justice Department has charged William Robert Braddock III, a Florida Republican, with threatening to kill his former primary election opponent Anna Paulina Luna. The charges stem from multiple death threats allegedly made by Braddock on 8 June 2021. Notably, Braddock threatened to “call up my Russian-Ukrainian “hit squad” to eliminate Luna, a stark revelation that has surfaced as part of the indictment.
According to reports, William Robert Braddock III and Anna Paulina Luna were both candidates in the 2021 Republican primary election for Florida’s 13th congressional district. The indictment against Braddock was unsealed last Thursday, revealing the extent of the threats made against Luna, which included numerous instances and alarming language.
DOJ charges Rep. Anna Paulina Luna's former Florida primary opponent with threatening to kill political rival https://t.co/aZg3dV0VZH
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 29, 2024
Legal Actions and Public Reaction
Aside from the initial threats, Luna had previously claimed in court that Braddock was stalking her and had repeatedly threatened her life. Reports also indicate that Victim 2, an acquaintance of Luna, was involved in a crucial phone call where these threats were explicitly made by Braddock. The situation escalated to Luna seeking a permanent restraining order after receiving text messages that included clear threats to “take me out.”
In an attempt to evade the consequences of his actions, Braddock left the United States and resided in the Philippines. Nevertheless, he has been deported back to the U.S. and made his first court appearance in Los Angeles on Thursday. Braddock is currently charged with one count of interstate transmission of a true threat to injure another person, a grave accusation that carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison if convicted.
A Broader Issue of Political Violence
This case is part of the Justice Department’s broader efforts to combat election-related threats and political violence, especially as the nation approaches the 2024 election cycle. Federal prosecutors have emphasized the significance of addressing such issues, and Luna’s case has been highlighted as an example of the dangers faced by election candidates and public officials. Luna, an Air Force veteran and former media consultant, has remained resilient in the face of these threats, continuing her advocacy against violence and abuse, particularly targeting women in politics.
Luna, who claimed she had been doxxed, has received a substantial number of death threats, reflecting a disturbing trend of violence and harassment toward female members of Congress. Despite these challenges, Luna won her congressional seat and was sworn into office in January 2023. She is currently favored to win reelection for Florida’s 13th Congressional District, highlighting her continued resolve and the support of her constituents.
A former primary opponent of Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., was charged on Friday by the Justice Department with threatening to kill her with a "Russian-Ukrainian" hit squad, the Washington Examiner reported. https://t.co/97kMYaoU4k
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) September 30, 2024
Conclusion and Ongoing Developments
The story of William Robert Braddock III’s threats against Anna Paulina Luna underscores the perilous nature of modern political rivalries. As federal authorities continue to crack down on election-related threats, the broader implications for American politics remain evident. Luna’s case serves as a reminder of the ongoing risk faced by public figures and the importance of continued vigilance and legal action against those who would employ violence and intimidation as political tools.
Public attention now turns to the developments in court, where Braddock faces serious legal consequences. His case stands as a testament to the severity of threats in the political arena and the importance of upholding justice and safety for all involved.
Sources
2. Florida Republican charged with threat to ‘call up hit squad’ to kill primary rival
