The Department of Justice has charged William Robert Braddock III, a former congressional candidate, with threatening to kill Rep. Anna Paulina Luna during the 2021 election cycle.

Braddock, who had been running for Florida's 13th Congressional District, allegedly threatened Luna and another private citizen, claiming he would use a "Russian-Ukrainian hit squad," and the charges were revealed after the man was deported from the Philippines, where he had fled following the alleged threats, as Fox News reports.

According to court documents, the threats were made during a phone call on June 8, 2021. Braddock, then 41 years old, allegedly discussed calling in the hit squad to kill Luna within 24 hours.

Erin Olszewski, a conservative activist and friend of Luna, recorded the conversation, which led to Braddock facing charges in the U.S.

Braddock’s Alleged Threats During 2021 Election

The indictment was unsealed Thursday in the Middle District of Florida, revealing the disturbing details of the threats. The phone call in question involved Braddock claiming that Luna would "go down" and expressing hope that it would happen "by herself."

These remarks led both Luna and Olszewski to file temporary restraining orders against Braddock, claiming they were fearful for their lives.

After making the threats, Braddock reportedly left the U.S. and was later located in the Philippines. He was deported back to the United States to face the charges and made his first court appearance in Los Angeles on Thursday. Braddock has denied the allegations, suggesting in a text to Politico that the recording may have been altered.

Temporary Restraining Orders And Court Proceedings

Luna testified in court that she had very limited contact with Braddock in person but learned about the threats through acquaintances. She described the situation as "horrifying" and stated that Braddock "clearly hated" her and wanted to harm her.

The court heard that Olszewski also testified, detailing how Braddock’s threats extended to her and even included veiled remarks about her children.

During the election period, Luna sought a temporary restraining order after claiming that Braddock had been stalking her.

The restraining order was granted following the recorded phone call where Braddock mentioned the hit squad. Olszewski, who also felt threatened, obtained her own restraining order.

Braddock Denies Allegations Amid Legal Battle

In his defense, Braddock told Politico that the recording might have been manipulated and called the situation a "dirty political tactic." He expressed frustration, saying the accusations caused unnecessary stress. However, despite his claims, the court is proceeding with the charges, which are centered on interstate transmission of a true threat.

If convicted, Braddock faces up to five years in prison. This case is part of the Justice Department's Election Threats Task Force, which was created by Attorney General Merrick Garland in 2021 to address threats against election candidates and officials.

Impact On Rep. Luna and Growing Problem of Death Threats

The threats against Luna are not isolated. Luna's spokesperson highlighted the increase in death threats she has faced in recent months. The spokesperson also pointed out the disproportionate targeting of female members of Congress for harassment and violence, emphasizing that the problem goes beyond Luna.

"Female members of Congress are disproportionately targeted for stalking, violence, and harassment compared to their male counterparts," Luna’s spokesperson said. This troubling trend, the spokesperson added, is part of a larger issue of political violence, which must be addressed to protect elected officials.

Luna has continued to advocate against violence, particularly violence against women. She has been outspoken about the emotional toll the threats have taken on her, describing the experience as one of emotional terror. In a statement from September 2021, she referred to Braddock as an "evil person" who had caused her significant distress.

Conclusion: Charges Reflect Growing Political Tensions

Braddock now faces serious legal consequences for his alleged threats against Luna and Olszewski. The case sheds light on the escalating tensions within the political arena, where candidates, particularly women, face increasing threats of violence. As the Justice Department pursues these charges, Luna continues her advocacy against political violence and abuse toward women, a cause she says is more important now than ever.

Braddock’s legal fate will be determined in the coming months as the case moves forward. Meanwhile, Luna remains resolute in her campaign against violence, seeking justice for the threats made against her and others.