Viral “Go back to Haiti” heckler at JMU fired after Winsome Earle‑Sears heckled; Fairfax police say no criminal probe
A viral video from a James Madison University game showed a fan shouting “Go back to Haiti!” at Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle‑Sears; the man was fired, and Fairfax police said his harassment report did not merit a criminal probe.
- Heckler identified and fired: The man seen in the viral clip was identified as Scott Pogorelc and was terminated by his employer.
- Police declined criminal inquiry: Fairfax County police reviewed harassment claims but did not open a criminal investigation.
- Public debate: The episode reignited national discussions on civility, race and employer accountability.
What the video shows and the immediate fallout
Video footage from the James Madison University game captures a man in the stands shouting at Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle‑Sears, yelling “Go back to Haiti!” and calling her a “traitor.” The taunt was both racially charged and factually incorrect — Earle‑Sears was born in Jamaica and is the first Black woman elected to statewide office in Virginia.
The clip spread rapidly on social media; within hours the man was identified as Scott Pogorelc, a Centreville resident and senior engineer at Zeta Associates, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary. Zeta and Lockheed Martin said his remarks violated company ethics and core values and terminated his employment — a swift corporate response common when public behavior creates reputational risk for defense contractors and government contractors.
Pogorelc later filed a police report saying he had been harassed after the video circulated. Fairfax County Police reviewed his complaint and concluded the information did not justify opening a criminal case.
“Words won’t break me or stop my campaign,” Earle‑Sears said, correcting the factual error in the taunt and emphasizing her determination to continue serving.
Winsome Earle‑Sears’ response and public reaction
Earle‑Sears responded calmly and directly, noting she is Jamaican — not Haitian — and reiterating her commitment to public service. Her composure drew praise across party lines and intensified conversation about security and decorum at campaign events. The episode followed other incidents targeting Earle‑Sears, including protests with shocking imagery that prompted rebukes from Virginia leaders.
Corporate accountability and free speech tensions
The firing highlighted tensions between free expression in public spaces and employer codes of conduct. Supporters of the firing argued employees who engage in hate or harassment in public must face consequences; critics warned rapid corporate discipline can chill speech. For firms that contract with the federal government, reputational risk often drives quick action when an employee’s conduct becomes a liability.
Police assessment of harassment claims
After the social media storm, Pogorelc reported alleged harassment to Fairfax County Police. The department reviewed the claim and said it did not meet the threshold for a criminal investigation, indicating they found no probable cause for criminal charges based on the information provided.
Context: race and politics in Virginia
Virginia’s recent political landscape has been shaped by intense debates over race and messaging. Earle‑Sears’ election marked a historic milestone, yet campaign events have periodically become flashpoints for abuse and protest. The JMU incident forced renewed national conversation about civility at family events such as college football games and the boundaries of political expression.
Implications for Huntington Beach, California
Local leaders and employers in Huntington Beach and Orange County — many of whom work with government or military clients — may view this episode as a reminder of reputational and contractual risks. The incident can influence local policies on staff conduct, event security and social media guidelines.
- Economic: Employers and defense contractors may tighten public‑conduct policies.
- Political: The story may shape local debates on civility, law and order, and campaign security.
- Social: Event organizers might revisit rules on signage, staffing and crowd control to preserve family‑friendly environments.
Practical applications for residents
Residents and organizations can draw several lessons from the incident:
- Employers: Review and communicate codes of conduct for public events and online activity.
- Event organizers: Reassess policies on signage, crowd behavior and security to reduce harassment risks.
- Voters & community members: Use the episode as a case study balancing free speech with consequences for hateful behavior.
Reporting and sources
This account draws on reporting from local and national outlets that documented the viral clip, the identification of the heckler as Scott Pogorelc, his employment and firing, and the Fairfax County Police Department’s response. Key sources include:
