Man who went viral for racist heckling of Winsome Sears is fired; police say harassment claims don’t merit criminal probe
A JMU football game on Oct. 19, 2024, produced viral video of Scott Pogorelc shouting racial taunts at Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears — prompting public outrage, his firing by Zeta Associates and a Fairfax County police review that found no criminal basis.
- Video of the incident on Oct. 19, 2024 shows Scott Pogorelc repeatedly shouting racially charged taunts at Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears during a James Madison University football game.
- Employer action: Zeta Associates — linked to Lockheed Martin — said Pogorelc violated its Code of Ethics and is no longer employed.
- Police review: Fairfax County Police assessed harassment reports but concluded the information did not meet the threshold for a criminal investigation.
- Political and public fallout: The episode provoked widespread condemnation, discussion about civility, and scrutiny of Pogorelc’s past political donations.
What happened at the JMU game
Video that circulated widely online shows a man identified as Scott Pogorelc repeatedly shouting at Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears during a James Madison University football game on Oct. 19, 2024. In the footage he is heard yelling, “Go back to Haiti!” and calling her a “traitor.”
“Go back to Haiti!”
The chant drew immediate attention because Sears is Jamaican-born and is the first Black woman elected to statewide office in Virginia. The clip sparked national headlines and heated discussion about race and civility in public life.
Sears’ response
Sears publicly corrected the taunt while making a moral appeal. She emphasized that she is Jamaican — not Haitian — and said, “I have nowhere to go back to because America is my home.” In media remarks she added, “I’ve been called names no one should ever hear…” The exchange reinforced her status as a prominent Black woman in Virginia politics and drew broad sympathy.
Employer response and firing
Within days of the video going viral, Zeta Associates — a company tied to defense contractor Lockheed Martin — said it had investigated and that the employee was no longer employed. The company cited its Code of Ethics, saying behavior that violates company standards will be investigated and addressed. The action highlights how private employers increasingly weigh off-duty public conduct and viral exposure when deciding employment consequences.
Police review and harassment claim
After being identified, Pogorelc filed a harassment report with the Fairfax County Police Department, saying he was the target of harassment and threats. Fairfax County’s threat assessment unit reviewed the reports but determined the information did not meet the criteria for a criminal investigation. No charges were announced and no further investigative steps were released publicly.
Political ties and reactions
Records show Pogorelc has donated to Democratic campaigns, including to Abigail Spanberger, who is Sears’ Democratic opponent in the Virginia governor’s race. Commentators across the political spectrum noted this detail, adding a political angle to the national conversation about civility and partisan conduct.
Public condemnation and broader pattern
Leaders from both parties condemned the JMU incident. The viral video revived earlier episodes in which Sears was targeted by racially charged attacks during her campaign — including an August incident at an Arlington County meeting where a protester displayed imagery tied to Jim Crow segregation. Critics say such events underscore a pattern of racially heated encounters faced by Sears and highlight challenges Black women in politics often face.
Why employers act
Private employers often review employee conduct when off-duty behavior becomes public and viral. Zeta Associates’ decision reflects a broader trend: companies with federal or defense contracts, or those with public-facing reputations, may enforce codes of conduct and separate employees when off-duty actions are deemed harmful to the company’s values or brand.
Legal limits and police standards
Police departments use established standards to decide whether to open criminal probes. Fairfax County’s threat assessment concluded the reports did not reach the legal threshold for criminal investigation. That distinction highlights the difference between reprehensible speech that carries social or employment consequences and conduct that satisfies elements of criminal harassment or threat statutes.
Coverage and public reaction online
Social media and video platforms amplified the JMU football game incident, propelling the clip into national headlines. The viral nature of the footage prompted discussions about race, civility, and the tone of political life. Some commentators urged greater respect in public spaces; others focused on political implications and campaign effects.
Implications for Fresno, California
Economic and employer lessons
Local employers in Fresno and across California may view this incident as a reminder to review social media and off-duty conduct policies. Companies that contract with federal or defense entities, or that have public-facing brands, may consider clearer language about off-duty conduct that could harm reputation.
Political consequences and local campaigns
Fresno’s politically moderate voters and local candidates may note how public conduct can shift campaign narratives. Incidents like the JMU episode can galvanize supporters, draw national attention, and change how campaigns handle security and public events. Local campaigns might increase training for volunteers and attendees about civility and de‑escalation.
Social and community impact
Fresno’s diverse communities may find resonance in Sears’ experience. The episode spotlights ongoing challenges faced by people of color and immigrant communities in public life. Community leaders, schools, and faith groups could use this as a springboard for local conversations on race, respect, and responses to hate speech.
Legal awareness and law enforcement
Fresno residents should know that police weigh free-speech protections against criminal statutes. Like Fairfax County, local law enforcement evaluates harassment reports against legal standards. Residents who experience harassment should document incidents, contact police, and seek support from advocacy groups or legal aid for civil options.
Cultural relevance and public life
Civic leaders, universities, sports teams, and event organizers in the Central Valley can examine crowd management and codes of conduct to prevent harassment at public events. Clear signage, announcements, and enforcement policies at local stadiums and arenas may reduce the chance of similar incidents.
Practical steps for residents
If Fresno residents witness abuse at a public event, they should:
- Record time-stamped video and identify witnesses.
- Report the behavior to event staff and law enforcement.
- Employers should review harassment policies and remind staff that off-duty conduct can affect workplace standing.
- Community groups can host forums on bystander intervention and safe, legal responses to hate speech.
Reporting and sources
This report draws on coverage of the JMU football game incident and its aftermath, including company statements and law enforcement comments. Key sources include: Hudson Valley Beacon; iNews (ZoomBangla); Fox News — Sears response; and Fox News — past sign incident. (Reporting by Times Media Service)
