Centreville man who heckled Winsome Sears with racist remark is fired; police say backlash did not merit a criminal probe
A viral video captured Scott Pogorelc of Centreville, Virginia, shouting a racist comment at Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears during a James Madison University football game, prompting his firing and review by police.
- Who: Scott Pogorelc of Centreville, Virginia — identified in reporting by HV Beacon.
- What: He was filmed heckling Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears at a JMU game, shouting “Go back to Haiti!” and calling her a “traitor”; video went viral (reported by iNews/ZoomBangla and Fox News).
- Outcome: Pogorelc was terminated by Zeta Associates (a Lockheed Martin subsidiary) for violating company ethics rules — reported by HV Beacon.
- Police: Fairfax County’s threat assessment unit reviewed harassment claims but said the information did not merit a criminal investigation; no charges were filed (HV Beacon).
Incident details
A video taken at the James Madison University football game on Oct. 19 shows a man later identified as Scott Pogorelc shouting at Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, who was in attendance. Pogorelc can be heard shouting the racially charged line — “Go back to Haiti!” — and calling her a “traitor.”
The remark was both racist and factually incorrect: Earle-Sears was born in Jamaica. The footage was published and amplified by outlets including iNews/ZoomBangla and Fox News, and circulated widely on social media.
Winsome Earle-Sears: “America is my home … words won’t break me or stop my campaign.”
Employment and corporate response
After the video drew public condemnation, Zeta Associates — a company within the Lockheed Martin family of companies — investigated Pogorelc’s conduct. Lockheed Martin confirmed the employee was terminated for violating the company’s code of ethics, a move covered by local reporting from HV Beacon.
The firing drew two strands of public reaction: supporters of Earle-Sears and many community leaders described the termination as an appropriate consequence for overtly racist conduct, while other commentators raised concerns about employer discipline for off-duty speech amplified by viral video.
Police review and legal follow-up
Following the video’s circulation, Pogorelc filed a complaint with the Fairfax County Police Department alleging he had been harassed. The county’s threat assessment unit reviewed the reports but determined the information did not meet the threshold for a criminal investigation. No arrests or charges were filed in connection with that complaint, according to HV Beacon.
Law enforcement officials noted that offensive speech, while widely condemned, does not always satisfy the legal standards for criminal harassment or threats; intent, context, and credible threat are evaluated before charges are pursued.
Political donations and background
Public records reported by local outlets show Pogorelc has donated to Democratic candidates, including contributions to Representative Abigail Spanberger. That detail has been noted in coverage and adds context given Earle-Sears’ profile as a Republican statewide official and gubernatorial candidate. Reporting on these donations appeared in HV Beacon.
Reactions and broader context
Earle-Sears addressed the incident publicly, correcting the record about her birthplace and pledging that the attack would not impede her work. Her response and the viral video prompted criticism from leaders across the political spectrum. Similar episodes — such as a racially charged placard displayed at a school board meeting — have prompted bipartisan condemnation and calls for civility.
At the same time, advocates for due process and free speech have debated whether employers should discipline employees for off-duty speech that becomes public. Companies tied to national security work, including subsidiaries of Lockheed Martin, say they must uphold professional standards that reflect public trust.
Implications for Redding, California
Although the incident occurred in Virginia, it has potential resonance in Redding and Shasta County across several areas:
Economic impact
- Redding’s local defense suppliers and contractors may review codes of conduct and social-media policies in light of the firing at a Lockheed Martin subsidiary.
Political consequences
- Conservative-leaning communities in Redding may use the case to discuss balancing free expression with condemnation of hateful conduct and to debate whether partisan activity should factor into employment decisions.
Social effects
- Viral coverage can raise local concerns about reputational harm and speed of employer responses; community groups may use the episode to promote civility at public events.
Cultural relevance and practical applications
- Local audiences focused on individual liberties and due process will likely follow coverage that highlights both the racist nature of the heckle and questions about fair disciplinary procedures.
- Employers, school boards, venues and campaigns in Redding may update policies on off-duty conduct, event security, and social-media guidance in response to high-profile cases like this.
Sources
- HV Beacon: Man who went viral for heckling Winsome Sears with racist comment dealt another blow after getting fired
- iNews / ZoomBangla: Virginia official faces racist taunt at football game, sparking national outrage
- Fox News: Winsome Sears responds to JMU fan telling her ‘go back to Haiti’ after weekend ‘leftist invective’
- Fox News: Virginia leaders rebuke racist sign targeting GOP gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears
