Overview

• Patrick Daniel Murphy is charged with making a threat in writing after an August 26 text message to the Republican lawmaker, according to charging documents.
• The message allegedly threatened to shoot Higgins at a public event and referenced his children, as described by Higgins’ office and an arrest warrant.
• Murphy was first taken into custody on September 2, per a police report, and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on October 20.
• A Class 6 felony in Virginia is punishable by up to five years in prison, underscoring the seriousness of written threats under state law.
• Higgins condemned the threat and thanked law enforcement, while state leaders noted recent threats to other legislators, including Del. Kim Taylor.