Former Florida congressional candidate William Braddock will serve three years in federal prison after threatening to hire a “Russian-Ukrainian hit squad” to murder his Republican primary opponent Anna Paulina Luna.
Key Takeaways
- William Robert Braddock III was sentenced to three years in federal prison after pleading guilty to threatening his political opponent across state lines.
- Braddock specifically threatened to hire a “Russian-Ukrainian hit squad” to murder Anna Paulina Luna if she continued polling well in the Florida congressional race.
- After making the threats, Braddock fled to Thailand and later the Philippines before surrendering to authorities in Manila in 2023.
- Despite these threats, Luna won both the Republican primary and the general election for Florida’s 13th Congressional District.
- The case highlights the severe legal consequences of political intimidation in America’s electoral system.
Violent Threats Against a Political Rival
William Robert Braddock III, a former Marine and Republican congressional candidate, has been sentenced to three years in federal prison after pleading guilty to transmitting threatening messages across state lines. The threats were directed at Anna Paulina Luna, who was his primary opponent in the 2021 race for Florida’s 13th Congressional District. The Department of Justice prosecution centered on Braddock’s violent intimidation tactics that crossed the line from political competition into criminal behavior. During a recorded phone call in June 2021, Braddock made explicit threats regarding Luna’s safety and life.
“Russian-Ukrainian hit squad,” shared by William Robert Braddock III
During the disturbing conversation with GOP activist Erin Olszewski, which was later leaked to Politico, Braddock declared Luna was “his only obstacle to winning that race” and threatened extreme measures if she continued to poll well. The chilling nature of the threats demonstrated how Braddock viewed his political ambitions as worth pursuing at any cost. Although investigators found no evidence that Braddock had actually contacted foreign criminals or taken concrete steps to execute his threats, the verbal intimidation alone constituted a federal crime.
Arrogance Before Justice
Braddock’s recorded statements revealed a disturbing level of arrogance and entitlement regarding his political aspirations. He spoke with absolute certainty about his inevitable victory, dismissing anyone who might challenge him in the congressional race. His intimidation tactics extended beyond mere political rhetoric into specific violent threats against Luna. The brazen nature of these statements ultimately became key evidence in the federal case against him, demonstrating a calculated attempt to remove a political rival through threats of violence.
When discussing the potential murder of his political opponent, Braddock callously remarked “if it needs to be done, it needs to be done,” showing a disturbing disregard for human life and democratic principles. Despite his threats, Luna persevered, demonstrating tremendous courage throughout her campaign. The case stands as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by candidates, particularly women, who must sometimes endure threats and intimidation while seeking public office. Luna’s ultimate victory both in the primary and general election represents a triumph of democratic values over intimidation.
Former Florida congressional candidate sentenced to prison for threatening to kill Anna Paulina Luna https://t.co/yYh7fCPU4Q
— Just the News (@JustTheNews) May 22, 2025
Flight and Accountability
After his threats became public, Braddock attempted to evade justice by fleeing the United States. He initially traveled to Thailand before eventually settling in the Philippines, apparently hoping to escape the consequences of his actions. This international flight demonstrated consciousness of guilt and an unwillingness to face responsibility for his threatening behavior. However, justice eventually caught up with Braddock when he surrendered to authorities in Manila in June 2023, leading to his extradition back to the United States to face charges.
“if it needs to be done, it needs to be done,” said William Braddock
Upon his return to American soil in September 2024, Braddock finally faced the justice system for his threats. Although the charge carried a maximum potential sentence of five years in federal prison, Braddock received a three-year sentence after pleading guilty. This case sends a clear message that threatening political opponents will not be tolerated in our electoral system. It also serves as a reminder that in America, we resolve our political differences at the ballot box, not through intimidation or violence – a principle that remains fundamental to our democratic republic.
