Florida Republican Primary Candidate Charged with Threatening to Kill Rep. Anna Paulina Luna

William Robert Braddock, a former Republican primary opponent of Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), has been charged with threatening to kill her during their 2022 congressional race. The Justice Department unsealed an indictment revealing that Braddock, 41, had made threats to arrange for a “Russian-Ukrainian hit squad” to assassinate Luna, his rival in the Republican primary for Florida's 13th Congressional District.

The charges stem from a 2021 recorded phone call between Braddock and a conservative activist. During the conversation, Braddock allegedly stated his intent to have Luna killed, referring to her as a "speed bump" and expressing his willingness to take extreme measures to ensure her defeat.

Braddock allegedly claimed, “If it needs to be done, it needs to be done,” while asserting that he had access to international assassins. Luna, who later won the seat in the general election, had previously secured a restraining order against Braddock due to the threats​.

The indictment accuses Braddock of interstate transmission of a true threat, a federal offense. He fled to the Philippines after the primary but was recently deported back to the United States, where he now faces up to five years in prison if convicted.

Despite the severity of the threats, Braddock was not initially charged at the state level, as authorities had deemed the evidence insufficient to prove his ability to carry out the plan. However, the Department of Justice later pursued the case as part of its broader efforts to address threats of violence against political candidates and election officials, which have surged in recent years​.

Luna’s office has refrained from commenting on the specific charges, though a spokesperson highlighted the growing number of threats the congresswoman has faced in recent months. Luna is one of many female members of Congress disproportionately targeted for harassment and violence, which reflects a troubling trend in today’s political climate. The spokesperson emphasized Luna’s commitment to raising awareness about the violence and abuse experienced by women in politics.

The case has drawn attention to the increasing threats against political figures ahead of the 2024 elections. The Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force, which was established in response to rising incidents of intimidation, has made it a priority to investigate and prosecute those responsible for threatening candidates and election workers.

As Luna gears up for a competitive 2024 race against Democratic challenger Whitney Fox, this indictment marks a stark reminder of the hostility that has come to characterize political campaigns across the country. With Braddock facing potential prison time, the case underscores the dangers posed by extremist rhetoric in politics.

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