Virginia Lt. Governor Heckled with “Go back to Haiti” at JMU Game; Scott Pogorelc Fired, Police Say No Criminal Case
At a James Madison University football game on October 19, 2025, Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle‑Sears was targeted by a racist taunt. Scott Pogorelc was filmed shouting, later fired and banned by his employer and JMU.
Key takeaways
- Viral video: A fan was recorded shouting “Go back to Haiti!” at Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle‑Sears, a clip authenticated and widely shared.
- Employer & university action: Scott Pogorelc was terminated by Zeta Associates (Lockheed Martin subsidiary) and banned from future JMU athletic events.
- No criminal case: Fairfax County Police determined the incident did not meet the threshold for criminal harassment.
- Earle‑Sears responded calmly: She corrected the nationality and said, “Words won’t break me or stop my campaign.”
Full story
The incident and the video
A bystander recorded an exchange at the October 19 JMU football game showing a man in the stands yelling at Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle‑Sears while she was on the field. The man told her to “go back to Haiti” and called her a “traitor.” The recording spread rapidly online and was shared by state GOP accounts, prompting national attention and condemnation across the political spectrum.
Sources that published and authenticated the video include Fox News video and the related Fox News report, and an iNews summary.
Employer and university actions
Within days of the clip circulating, Zeta Associates — a Lockheed Martin subsidiary where Scott Pogorelc worked as a senior engineer — launched an internal review. Lockheed Martin confirmed Pogorelc’s firing, citing violations of company values and code of conduct. James Madison University Athletics also announced Pogorelc had been suspended from attending future events, stating fan conduct must meet expectations for civility and respect.
Both the employer and the university framed their actions as responses to behavior inconsistent with organizational standards. Coverage and statements were reported by Fox News and the iNews summary.
What the Fairfax County Police said
Fairfax County Police reviewed reports tied to the incident and determined the actions shown did not rise to the level of criminal harassment. The department treated the episode as noncriminal workplace and social conduct because there was no immediate threat or evidence meeting criminal statutes. As a result, no criminal charges were pursued; consequences were handled by employers and institutions.
Earle‑Sears’s response and political context
Winsome Earle‑Sears responded to the taunt with composure, correcting the factual error — she is Jamaican, not from Haiti — and asserting her American identity. In public remarks she said,
“Words won’t break me or stop my campaign.”
Earle‑Sears, a Republican and the first Black woman elected statewide in Virginia, noted how race and partisan dynamics can intersect when public figures are targeted.
National reaction and accountability debates
The clip prompted national discussion about civility at public events, social media amplification, and the boundaries of accountability for hateful speech. Some commentators pointed to the swift employment action as private accountability; others raised concerns about where to draw the line between protected speech and employer-sanctionable conduct. Major outlets have noted this episode as part of a broader trend of rapid institutional responses to high‑profile incidents.
Facts about the person identified
Local reporting and social posts identified the man in the video as Scott Pogorelc, a parent whose son plays for JMU. Pogorelc’s name circulated widely after the video gained attention. His employer stated his conduct violated company codes and moved to terminate his employment; JMU limited his access to campus events.
Legal and free‑speech questions
The Fairfax County Police decision not to open a criminal investigation highlights a recurring legal question: when does hateful speech rise to the level of a crime? In Virginia, harassment and threats can be criminal if they meet certain standards — for example, posing an immediate threat or repeated targeting. Police said those standards were not met here, leaving consequences to employers and university officials who enforce codes of conduct.
Reporting notes and sources
This report draws on video and coverage authenticated and published by media outlets and the Republican Party of Virginia, along with statements from Lockheed Martin’s Zeta Associates, James Madison University Athletics, and Fairfax County Police. Key sources include Fox News, the Fox News video, and an iNews summary.
Implications for Paso Robles, California
Economic impact
Local employers and contractors in Paso Robles who work with federal contractors or large defense suppliers should take note. Companies doing business with government agencies often maintain strict codes of conduct to protect contracts and reputation. Actions by employers in Virginia signal that public misbehavior can lead to quick employment consequences and may affect hiring practices, contractor vetting, and workplace policies locally. Businesses should review conduct policies and training to reduce risk.
Political consequences
Paso Robles voters may view this case through multiple lenses: support for free speech, concern about workplace overreach, and the importance of civility. Local conservative leaders may use the episode to discuss perceived double standards or political targeting while defending private employers’ rights to enforce codes of conduct. The episode could influence how local campaigns address race, decorum, and accountability in public life.
Social and community effects
As a small city where community events and school sports matter, Paso Robles could see calls for clearer policies at local venues and school districts on spectator conduct. School boards, athletic departments, and event managers may consider updating rules, signage, and enforcement to protect visiting officials and community members and to preserve family‑friendly environments.
Cultural relevance
The exchange reminds residents that national stories quickly reach local communities. It underscores that words have consequences and that public behavior reflects on families, teams, and employers. Civic leaders may find value in reinforcing community standards aligned with respect, personal responsibility, and orderly public life.
Practical applications
- Employers and schools should review codes of conduct and provide training for staff, volunteers, and parents.
- Event organizers can update spectator policies and enforcement steps to deter abusive behavior.
- Local law enforcement agencies should clarify how they handle harassment complaints to distinguish noncriminal conduct from criminal threats.
Sources and further reading
Fox News, “Winsome Sears responds to JMU fan telling her to ‘go back to Haiti’ after weekend leftist invective”
Fox News video of the incident
iNews summary, “Virginia official faces racist taunt at football game, sparking national outrage”
