Death Threats, Hit Squads, International Manhunt: Ex-GOP Candidate in Florida Charged!
A congressional race in Florida takes a sinister turn as death threats, Russian hit squads, and an international manhunt unfolds. š #News #StPetersburgFL #Florida #Crime
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – In a startling twist that reads more like a political thriller than reality, a former Republican congressional candidate in Florida finds himself at the center of a federal investigation. The allegations? Making death threats against his own primary opponent. This case serves as a stark reminder of how quickly the intense pressures of political campaigns can potentially spiral into dangerous territory.
The Fall: From Campaign Trail to Courtroom
William Robert Braddock III, 41, of St. Petersburg, Florida, once vied for a seat representing Florida’s 13th Congressional District. Now, he faces serious legal consequences for actions allegedly taken during that campaign. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida has charged Braddock with one count of interstate transmission of a true threat to injure another person.
The indictment alleges that Braddock made multiple threats to harm and kill his primary opponent during a phone call on June 8, 2021. While court documents refer to the target as “Victim 1,” reports indicate this individual was Anna Paulina Luna. The call in question was with an acquaintance of Luna’s, identified as “Victim 2” in legal filings. Braddock allegedly threatened this person’s life as well.
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International Intrigue: A Fleeing Candidate and a “Hit Squad”
Perhaps most chilling among the reported threats was Braddock’s alleged claim that he would “call up my Russian-Ukrainian hit squad” to make Luna “disappear.” The specificity and international nature of this threat add an extra layer of gravity to the accusations.
Following these alleged threats, Braddock’s story took an unexpected turn. He left the United States, eventually being discovered residing in the Philippines. In a move that brought him back to face the music, Braddock was deported to the U.S. to answer for the charges against him.
The legal process is now underway, with Braddock making his initial court appearance in Los Angeles on a Thursday. If the court finds him guilty of the charges, he could face up to five years in federal prison.
The Broader Impact: When Political Rivalry Crosses the Line
As this case unfolds, it raises serious questions about the state of political discourse and the pressures faced by candidates in today’s highly charged electoral environment. While competition and disagreement are hallmarks of a healthy democracy, threats of violence cross a line that society cannot tolerate.
The coming weeks and months will likely see further developments in this case as it moves through the legal system. Regardless of the outcome, it serves as a sobering reminder of the need for civility and respect in political contests, even amid fierce competition for public office.
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