Florida politician charged for threatening to call his 'Russian-Ukrainian hit squad' to kill GOP rival
SUMMARY
A former Florida Republican congressional candidate, William Braddock, has been indicted on federal charges for threatening to kill his GOP rival, Anna Paulina Luna. In a recorded conversation from 2021, Braddock claimed he would use "Russian-Ukrainian hit squads" to eliminate Luna if she appeared likely to win the 13th District primary, which she ultimately did. He described Luna as a "dead squirrel" and suggested he could make her "disappear" for $20,000. Following the release of the recording, Braddock dropped out of the race and fled to the Philippines. He was recently deported and made a court appearance in Los Angeles. Luna had previously filed a stalking injunction against Braddock, citing the threats. The Justice Department has been increasing efforts to address political threats as the 2024 elections approach. Braddock faces up to five years in prison if convicted.
