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Purcellville Man Charged With Text Threat to Virginia Delegate Geary Higgins

Prosecutors say the message followed a campaign alert about a racist sign targeting Winsome Earle-Sears, and a preliminary hearing is set for Oct. 20.

Overview

  • Patrick Daniel Murphy is charged with a Class 6 felony for allegedly texting a death threat to Del. Geary Higgins, according to the Loudoun County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.
  • An arrest warrant describes a reply to a campaign text that allegedly threatened to shoot Higgins at his next public rally and referenced knowing his children’s whereabouts.
  • WTOP and FOX 5 DC report the charge as a written threat under Virginia law, which carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison.
  • The reported custody date varies by outlet, with FOX 5 DC citing an Aug. 29 arrest and Fox News reporting he was first taken into custody on Sept. 2.
  • Higgins, Gov. Glenn Youngkin, and Democratic challenger John McAuliff condemned the threat, and the case is active with a court date on Oct. 20 in Leesburg.