Former Florida congressional candidate William Braddock is facing serious charges after allegedly threatening his opponent during the 2022 primary race. The DOJ claims Braddock made alarming threats, leading to growing concerns about the increasing dangers in the political landscape.
Here’s a closer look at the situation and its potential impact on future political campaigns.
William Braddock charged for threatening to kill opponent
William Robert Braddock III, a former Florida congressional candidate, faces charges for threatening to kill his political opponent during the 2022 primary race.
According to a Department of Justice (DOJ) indictment, Braddock, 41, from St. Petersburg, Florida, allegedly threatened to hire a “Russian-Ukrainian hit squad” to kill his primary opponent, identified as Victim 1, and their acquaintance, identified as Victim 2. Braddock allegedly made these threats during a 2021 phone call with the victim’s acquaintance. The indictment did not name the victims.
According to NBC News, one of Braddock’s major opponents, Representative Anna Paulina Luna, alleged in a Florida court back in 2021 that Braddock was stalking her and wanted her dead Braddock initially fled the US during the investigation and lived in the Philippines. Authorities later apprehended him and deported him back to the US to face charges. He now faces one count of interstate transmission of a true threat to injure another person.
This crime could result in up to five years in prison if convicted. The case is part of a broader effort by the DOJ’s Election Threats Task Force, established in 2021 to combat rising violence against political figures and election workers.
Braddock’s campaign ended shortly after Luna was granted a temporary restraining order in 2021 due to his threats. Since then, Luna has received more death threats, highlighting the growing violence and harassment in politics, particularly against female candidates. Braddock’s case underscores the DOJ’s commitment to tackling political violence, a rising concern in US elections, and emphasizes the dangers politicians face in today’s contentious environment.
This incident highlights the broader issue of political violence, especially against women. Luna’s office pointed out that female members of Congress face disproportionate threats compared to their male counterparts. Braddock’s case could significantly influence future approaches to addressing such threats.
