William Braddock, a former Republican primary opponent of Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), has been charged with threatening the congresswoman's life.

In a recorded conversation, Braddock claimed he would use a "Russian-Ukrainian hit squad" to eliminate Luna, referring to the GOP lawmaker as a "speed bump" in his path, and though the 41-year-old fled the country after making the threat, he has since been brought back to the United States, as the Washington Examiner reports.

Braddock now faces a maximum of five years in prison for making the threat. The Department of Justice announced an unsealed indictment against him, charging him with one count of interstate transmission of a true threat to injure another person.

Braddock's threat came to light during his 2022 primary campaign against Luna in Florida’s 13th Congressional District.

Threat Made During Recorded Call

The threat originated during a phone conversation with a local political activist. Braddock, in the recorded call, made it clear that he would take extreme measures to stop Luna from advancing politically. He stated, "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."

After issuing the threat, Braddock fled to the Philippines, likely hoping to avoid legal consequences. However, he was deported back to the U.S. and now faces trial. Luna’s camp has expressed their concern over the growing number of threats she has been receiving, noting that this situation is part of a larger issue.

DOJ's Election Threats Task Force Involved

The Department of Justice, which has taken over the case, pursued charges through its Election Threats Task Force. This initiative was created to investigate and address threats against election officials, candidates, and elected representatives. Initially, only a temporary restraining order was granted against Braddock, but the DOJ moved forward with the criminal charges after further review of the case.

The threat from Braddock adds to a disturbing trend that has been plaguing the political landscape in recent years. His comments about calling a hit squad to "make her disappear" alarmed both Luna’s team and federal authorities. In response, law enforcement agencies acted swiftly to ensure that Braddock could not carry out any harm.

Luna's Spokesperson Reacts to Threats

A spokesperson for Luna revealed that this is just one of several death threats the Congresswoman has faced recently. "In the past month alone, Congresswoman Luna has faced a growing number of death threats," the spokesperson said. The increasing hostility toward female members of Congress has highlighted the danger many politicians, particularly women, face in today's charged political environment.

The spokesperson also pointed out that the political arena has become increasingly violent and hostile toward women, with female representatives like Luna often becoming targets for harassment and threats. "Female members of Congress are disproportionately targeted for stalking, violence, and harassment compared to their male counterparts," they explained.

Braddock's Potential Sentence

If convicted, Braddock faces up to five years in federal prison for the interstate transmission of a true threat. This legal action could serve as a warning to others who may contemplate similar actions against political figures.

The charges against Braddock come after Luna successfully won both the Republican primary and general election for Florida's 13th Congressional District in 2022. Despite the serious threat posed by Braddock, Luna continued her campaign and is now focused on the 2024 general election, where she will face Democratic opponent Whitney Fox.

DOJ Investigating Political Violence

The DOJ's involvement in this case is part of its broader effort to address the rise in political violence, especially following high-profile incidents in recent years. The Election Threats Task Force plays a key role in ensuring the safety of election workers and political candidates. By taking action in cases like Braddock’s, the task force aims to send a clear message that threats against public officials will not be tolerated.

Braddock's case stands out not just for the nature of the threat but also for the context in which it was made. His attempt to flee the country highlights the severity of the charges and the importance of bringing him back to face justice in the U.S.

Luna's Response

Rep. Luna has remained steadfast despite the threats against her. Through her spokesperson, she emphasized that "violence must never be tolerated." She has committed to raising awareness of the dangers women face, not just in politics but in all areas of life. Luna's office has reiterated her stance against violence and abuse, highlighting her commitment to making political spaces safer for all.

"Congresswoman Luna is committed to spreading this message to her constituents and America," her spokesperson said. She aims to advocate for solutions to end violence, both emotional and physical, faced by women across the country.

Conclusion: Charges Reflect Broader Concerns

William Braddock's case is a striking example of the growing threat of violence in the political sphere, particularly toward women in Congress.

His attempt to flee after making such a dangerous statement underscores the seriousness of the charges. With the involvement of the DOJ's Election Threats Task Force, this case sends a strong message about the consequences of making threats against elected officials.

As Luna continues her political career, her commitment to addressing these dangers remains a central focus. Politicians like her face an uphill battle as they contend with not only political opponents but also the rising tide of violent threats.