Political Tensions Rise in Florida With Shocking Allegation Against Political Rival

A heated political rivalry in Florida’s 13th congressional district took a dangerous turn when William Robert Braddock III allegedly threatened his former primary opponent, Anna Paulina Luna.

At a Glance

The Justice Department charged William Robert Braddock III with threatening Anna Paulina Luna in 2021.
Braddock allegedly threatened to “call up my Russian-Ukrainian hit squad” to kill Luna.
Braddock was deported from the Philippines and made his first U.S. court appearance in Los Angeles.
Braddock faces up to five years in prison if convicted.
The case highlights the severe risks in political rivalries.

Threats Against Anna Paulina Luna

William Robert Braddock III has been charged with making death threats against Anna Paulina Luna, a Republican congressional representative. The threats allegedly occurred in 2021 during the heated primary election for Florida’s 13th congressional district. Braddock is accused of threatening to “call up my Russian-Ukrainian hit squad” to eliminate Luna.

On June 8, 2021, Braddock reportedly made multiple threats, leading to his indictment, which was unsealed last Thursday. The competition between Braddock and Luna highlighted the extreme lengths some individuals might go to in political battles. Braddock left the United States for the Philippines but was recently deported back to face charges in the U.S. In Los Angeles, he made his first court appearance.

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

Lunas’s Prior Allegations and Legal Actions

Anna Paulina Luna previously sought legal protection against Braddock, alleging he was stalking her and had threatened her life. Luna received a temporary restraining order citing text messages where Braddock allegedly expressed intentions to “take [her] out.” These threats underscored the dangers faced by political candidates, particularly women. Luna, an Air Force veteran and former media consultant, was not named in the indictment but had been vocal about her concerns for safety.

Braddock, who was caught on record referring to Luna as “a dead squirrel” and “a f—ing speed bump in the road,” dropped out of the race citing the negative publicity. He has denied all allegations, suggesting the recorded phone call might have been altered. He hinted at potential legal action against those holding the recording. Despite the severe threats, Luna emerged victorious in the election and was sworn into Congress in January 2023.

The DOJ said it charged a Florida man for allegedly threatening to kill one of his opponents in a 2022 Republican primary race for a House seat, which subsequently was won by Representative Anna Paulina Luna https://t.co/tgHN0atRKw pic.twitter.com/noKPUKqclR

— Reuters Legal (@ReutersLegal) September 27, 2024

DOJ’s Election Threats Task Force

The Justice Department’s election threats task force, which addresses threats of violence against election workers, has been instrumental in bringing charges against Braddock. Luna’s case is part of a broader effort to combat election-related threats and political violence ahead of the 2024 election cycle. This case spotlights the urgent need to protect political candidates and election workers from intimidation and violence.

Luna, committed to advocating against violence and abuse faced by women, continues to receive threats. Her office recently received a “very serious shooting threat,” underscoring the hostile environment faced by many in public office. Federal prosecutors are intensifying efforts to crack down on these threats to ensure safer electoral processes and uphold democratic values.