Charges Against William Braddock
Former congressional candidate William Braddock, who ran for office in Florida, stands charged with making death threats against current Rep. Anna Paulina Luna. The allegations include Braddock’s supposed intention to hire a “Russian-Ukrainian hit squad” to eliminate Luna, a claim so outrageous it smacks of a political drama rather than real life.
These threats were recorded during a discussion between Braddock and a political associate, painting a disturbing picture of political discourse. In these recordings, Braddock derogatorily referred to Luna as “a dead squirrel” and “a f—ing speed bump in the road.” Braddock’s later assertions that these recordings may have been altered do little to ease the concerns surrounding his expressed intentions.
The Alleged Extradition and Legal Response
After these grave threats came to light, Braddock fled to the Philippines, but eventually was extradited back to the U.S. to face justice. The charges against him include the interstate transmission of a true threat, a serious accusation that could lead to a five-year prison term if convicted.
Luna, who was sworn into Congress in January 2023, has become a prominent figure, even receiving threats of violence outside the scope of Braddock’s case. Her actual and potential challenges underscore the urgency for a political environment where threats and intimidation have no place. This indictment is part of a broader federal endeavor to root out election-related threats, underscoring the importance of maintaining candidate integrity and safety during political competitions.
The Democrats need to get a grip on their political violence problem.