Viral Racist Heckler Faces Another Setback: Gets Fired
A Virginia man, Scott Pogorelc, became the center of controversy after he was filmed making racially charged comments directed at Winsome Earle-Sears, a Republican gubernatorial candidate, during a college football game. The incident took place at a James Madison University game earlier this month, where Pogorelc shouted, “Go back to Haiti!” and “Traitor!” at Sears. Notably, Earle-Sears clarified on social media that she is actually an immigrant from Jamaica, not Haiti.
Pogorelc Faces Consequences
Following his public outburst, Pogorelc filed a police report claiming harassment in the aftermath of the incident. However, the Fairfax County Police Department’s threat assessment unit determined that his report did not warrant a criminal investigation.
Pogorelc’s employer, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, acted swiftly following the viral incident. The company confirmed that he was no longer employed due to a breach of their standards for professional conduct. A spokesperson stated: “Any behavior that violates our Code of Ethics will be thoroughly investigated, and employees found in violation will be held accountable.”
Political Context and Donations
Interestingly, Pogorelc is also a noted donor to the Democratic Party. Federal Election Commission filings indicate that he has made financial contributions to Abigail Spanberger, a Democratic candidate for governor. This connection has raised eyebrows given his recent actions and the racial undertones of the comments he directed at Earle-Sears.
Previous Incidents
This was not the first time Earle-Sears has encountered racially insensitive remarks during her campaign. In August, while protesting against transgender bathroom policies, a counter-protester displayed an offensive sign suggesting parallels between race and gender issues. Virginia’s GOP Governor Glenn Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares condemned these remarks as inappropriate and offensive, emphasizing that Virginia deserves better.
Conclusion
The fallout from the incident illustrates the tense political climate in Virginia as the gubernatorial election approaches. With only days until election day, the focus on Winsome Earle-Sears and her campaign continues to intensify, revealing the challenges she faces amid a backdrop of racial discourse in politics.
