William Robert Braddock III, a former Florida GOP candidate, was sentenced to three years in federal prison for threatening to use a “Russian-Ukrainian hit squad” to kill Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, his main rival.
The Threat and Capture
William Robert Braddock III, a former Marine veteran and GOP congressional candidate, saw his political career implode following a recorded 2021 telephone call with Luna’s friend, GOP activist Erin Olszewski. During this call, Braddock made explicit threats against Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, his Republican primary opponent for Florida’s 13th Congressional District seat. The threats were serious enough to warrant federal charges for interstate transmission of a genuine threat to injure another person.
Florida Congressional Candidate Gets 3 Years for Threatening To “Disappear” Rep. Anna Paulina Luna
William Robert Braddock, III, 41, of St. Petersburg, was sentenced today to three years in federal prison for interstate transmission of a threat to injure.
According to court… pic.twitter.com/SIzr3ijf5r
— Steve Gruber (@stevegrubershow) May 22, 2025
Following the threats, Braddock fled the United States, first to Thailand and later settling in the Philippines—his attempt to escape justice ended in 2023 when he surrendered to authorities in Manila. Federal officials subsequently brought him back to the United States last fall to face trial for the threats he had made against the congresswoman. This flight from the country suggests Braddock understood the gravity of his actions.
The Disturbing Details
The recorded threats made by Braddock were not merely political rhetoric but specific and violent. In the conversation that ultimately led to his conviction, Braddock discussed deploying what he called a “Russian-Ukrainian hit squad” to eliminate Luna from the congressional race. Federal investigators, however, found no evidence that Braddock had connections to foreign organized crime or had taken concrete steps toward implementing his threats.
Florida congressional candidate who threatened to have Rep. Anna Paulina Luna a$$assinated has been found GUILTY.
William Braddock, 41, was sentenced to three years in prison. pic.twitter.com/7G0aXHGe9V— Sadie (@Sadie_NC) May 22, 2025
“I 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**king speed bump in the road. She’s a dead squirrel you run over daily when you leave the neighborhood.” – William Robert Braddock III.
The case wasn’t isolated in Luna’s experience. Before the recorded threats, Luna had already accused Braddock of stalking her and expressing desires to see her dead during the 2021 campaign. These accusations highlighted the increasingly personal and bitter nature of the political rivalry between the candidates.
Broader Implications for Political Safety
This case draws attention to the increasing concerns about threats against elected officials, particularly female representatives. Following Braddock’s sentencing, Luna’s office issued a statement addressing the disproportionate targeting of women in Congress for harassment, stalking, and violence compared to their male counterparts.
“Female members of Congress are disproportionately targeted for stalking, violence, and harassment compared to their male counterparts. This alarming trend points to a broader and more disturbing issue of violence in the political arena.” – Luna spokesperson.
Despite Braddock’s threats, Luna won the primary and general election for Florida’s 13th Congressional District and was re-elected last year. The three-year federal prison sentence handed down to Braddock serves as a stark reminder of the legal boundaries governing political discourse and the serious consequences for those who cross the line into threatening violence against public officials.
Sources:
https://www.theblaze.com/news/theat-sentence-luna-hit-squad