Indictment Against William Braddock Revealed by DOJ
In a startling development, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) unsealed an indictment on Friday, charging William Robert Braddock III, a former congressional candidate from Florida, with threatening to kill his political opponent in the 2022 election cycle. Braddock, 41, of St. Petersburg, is accused of making violent threats against two individuals, one of whom was his primary opponent in Florida’s 13th Congressional District.
The DOJ has yet to publicly disclose the names of the alleged victims. However, in 2021, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), who went on to win the election, filed court documents claiming Braddock had been stalking her and plotting her death.
Threat of Russian-Ukrainian Hit Squad
According to the indictment, Braddock allegedly threatened to “call up my Russian-Ukrainian hit squad” to ensure his primary opponent’s disappearance. This explicit threat was reportedly made in 2021 as Braddock was campaigning for the congressional seat. The indictment does not clarify the precise method in which these threats were conveyed, but it has led to significant alarm within Florida’s political circles.
The allegations point to a disturbing trend of violence in political campaigns, particularly in high-stakes races.
Temporary Restraining Order Against Braddock
In June 2021, a Florida court granted Luna a temporary restraining order against Braddock. The injunction was also extended to Luna’s friend, conservative activist Erin Olszewski, who had reportedly been targeted as well. The judge’s ruling came after Luna presented evidence of Braddock’s threats, prompting heightened security concerns for her and her team.
Braddock, in response, denied any wrongdoing, asserting in court that he wanted to “obtain, review, and validate” the evidence presented against him. He claimed to have been unaware of the evidence backing the allegations. Despite his defense, Braddock chose to terminate his campaign shortly after the court’s ruling.
Braddock Fled the Country After Making the Threats
The indictment further reveals that Braddock fled the United States after the threats surfaced. The DOJ confirmed that he had been residing in the Philippines for an extended period before being deported back to the U.S. This extradition was a critical turning point in the case, as Braddock made his first court appearance on Thursday in Los Angeles.
Braddock faces one count of interstate transmission of a true threat to injure another person, a serious federal charge that carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison if convicted.
DOJ’s Election Threats Task Force Investigates the Case
This case has drawn attention to the DOJ’s Election Threats Task Force, a body that was established in 2021 to tackle growing concerns over threats made against election workers, officials, and candidates. The task force has been pivotal in coordinating the investigation, with the FBI’s Tampa field office and the St. Petersburg Police Department providing additional support.
“Violence in the political arena is an issue that cannot be ignored, and it’s imperative that we ensure the safety of all candidates and public officials,” commented a DOJ spokesperson involved in the case. “This indictment is a reminder that such behavior will not be tolerated in our democratic process.”
Increasing Threats Against Rep. Anna Paulina Luna
Luna, who is up for re-election in November, has declined to comment on the specifics of the case. However, her office has acknowledged an increasing number of threats against the congresswoman in recent months. A spokesperson for Luna described the situation as part of a “broader and more disturbing issue of violence in the political arena.”
Luna’s office also highlighted the emotional toll such threats have taken on her, stating, “She is focused on her duties to represent the people of Florida and will continue to do so despite the challenges posed by this dangerous political climate.”
While Luna has refrained from making public statements about the ongoing case, experts in the field of political violence have raised concerns about the escalating nature of threats against candidates in highly polarized regions.
Braddock’s Legal Team and Future Proceedings
Braddock has not yet entered a plea, and it remains unclear whether he will contest the charges. As of Saturday, his legal team had not responded to media inquiries. Legal experts predict that the case will become a significant test of the DOJ’s efforts to curb election-related violence.
Given the severity of the charges and the allegations of premeditated threats involving international hit squads, the outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar cases are prosecuted in the future.
Election Integrity and Future Implications
The case against Braddock also highlights the broader issue of election integrity in the U.S. As more candidates face threats of violence, there is increasing pressure on lawmakers and law enforcement agencies to implement measures that protect the safety of political figures.
The DOJ’s Election Threats Task Force, which has been spearheading this investigation, has been actively working to ensure that candidates and election workers can perform their duties without fear of harm. The task force’s involvement in this case reflects its commitment to tackling this growing problem head-on.
As Rep. Luna prepares for her re-election bid in November, her campaign has remained vigilant, tightening security measures and working closely with law enforcement to ensure her safety. With the August Republican primary canceled due to Luna being the sole qualified candidate, the focus now shifts to the general election and the potential risks she may face as she continues her political career.
Braddock Faces Up to Five Years in Prison
Should Braddock be convicted, he could face up to five years in federal prison. This case underscores the importance of addressing threats in political races and ensuring that candidates can run for office without fearing for their lives.
The DOJ’s investigation continues, and further developments are expected as Braddock prepares for his next court appearance.
