A former GOP candidate who threatened to hire a “Russian-Ukrainian hit squad” to kill his congressional opponent has been sentenced to three years in federal prison after fleeing overseas and eventually surrendering in the Philippines.
Threats Against a Congressional Candidate
William Robert Braddock III, a former Florida Republican congressional candidate and Marine veteran, has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for threatening the life of Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna during the 2021 primary campaign. The grave threats came to light when Braddock was recorded during a telephone conversation with Luna’s friend, GOP activist Erin Olszewski, discussing plans to have Luna assassinated to eliminate her from the congressional race for Florida’s 13th district.
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
Braddock pleaded guilty to sending an interstate transmission of a threat to injure, a federal offense that carries significant penalties. The case highlights the increasingly dangerous political climate facing elected officials, particularly female representatives, who, statistics show, face disproportionate threats compared to their male counterparts. Luna had previously accused Braddock of stalking her during the campaign, adding another troubling dimension to the case.
Recorded Threats and Flight from Justice
The severity of Braddock’s threats was captured in the recorded phone call, where he explicitly outlined his violent intentions toward Luna. Federal authorities took the threats seriously, despite finding no evidence that Braddock had actual connections to foreign criminal organizations or had taken concrete steps to implement his murderous plan.
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 really 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 every day when you leave the neighborhood.”
After the threats came to light, Braddock fled the United States, first to Thailand and then to the Philippines. His attempt to evade justice ended when he surrendered to authorities in Manila in 2023. He was extradited to the United States last fall to face trial for his actions, culminating in his recent sentencing.
Political Violence and Its Consequences
The case draws attention to the serious issue of threats against elected officials and candidates. Luna’s office issued a statement highlighting a disturbing pattern in American politics, noting that female representatives face heightened risks in the political arena. The case against Braddock sends a clear message that threats of political violence carry real legal consequences, regardless of whether there was intent to follow through.
“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.”
Despite the threats against her, Luna persevered in her campaign, winning the primary and general elections for Florida’s 13th Congressional District. She was re-elected last year, demonstrating resilience in the face of intimidation. Braddock’s sentencing brings closure to a troubling chapter in Florida politics while reinforcing the legal protections to safeguard the democratic process from threats and intimidation.
Sources:
https://www.theblaze.com/news/theat-sentence-luna-hit-squad