FRANKLIN COUNTY (WSLS 10) - A threat surfaces against a Virginia Senator from a local gun control advocate and father of a murdered local journalist.
Andy Parker, father of Alison Parker who was shot to death during a live television broadcast, has made multiple negative comments on Senator Bill Stanley's campaign Facebook page. The latest message is one that Senator Stanley took to heart.
Recommended Videos
Parker has also admitted to sending a direct message to the Senator stating, "I'm going to be your worst nightmare you little bastard."
Andy Parker admits he sent what he is calling a political message, but did not intend to threaten Stanley.
In a series of public posts on senator Bill Stanley's personal and campaign Facebook page, it's this comment from Andy Parker made on an NRA-related post, that now disturbs Stanley the most:
"YOU SORRY LITTLE COWARD. YOU DIDN'T EVEN HAVE THE DECENCY TO REACH OUT TO OFFER A LAME CONDOLENCE AFTER MY DAUGHTER ALISON BAILEY WAS MURDERED IN YOUR DISTRICT. WHEN YOU SEE ME AGAIN, YOU BEST WALK THE OTHER WAY LEST I BEAT YOUR LITTLE ASS WITH MY BARE HANDS."
"It was very clear that he intended to do myself and or my family harm," Stanley said.
Stanley says the two have never spoken, but that hasn't stopped Parker from attacking his stance on gun control. Parker has been a strong, public advocate for gun reform since his daughters death. Stanley says their opinions strongly differ when it comes to the Second Amendment.
"He's been attacking me for months. I've tried to let it go. I know he is going through a grieving process, I want to let him grieve and if I am the subject matter of that, and the ability of him to work through that, than I was going to let him do that. But he crossed the line," Stanley said.
Stanley has filed a complaint with Capitol Police about the threats that, if found credible, could bring felony charges.
But not everyone is taking it seriously. Thursday, Governor Terry McAuliffe said in a statement to WVRA radio that Stanley needed to "man up."
"Andy, you know, is passionate about the issue, rightfully so. Bill Stanley knew Andy had no interest in physically harming him. This is a political stunt by Bill Stanley...Come on Bill, you're tougher than that," McAuliffe said.
Stanley says it's much more than that. He says his family is fearful. He also calls the situation ironic; that Parker who is advocating against gun violence, is making threats of violence.
"To say that I need to man up, I guess that's what I should tell my 13-year-old who's concerned about his mom that he's texting her, I guess I should say, "the governor says man up."
While Parker said the comments are only political, Stanley isn't taking them lightly. He's taking extra precaution at home and at the office and has cancelled upcoming public appearances. Stanley says he and his wife have even inquired about getting a concealed carry permit.
When we asked Parker about the latest alleged threat, Parker still claims he meant no physical harm.
"It was political in nature," Parker said.
In a statement released on his behalf by the organization Everytown, he says:
"In my grief over the murder of my daughter and my anger over a political system that allows incidents like that to continue, I spoke regrettably. I apologize for my words, but make no mistake, i will continue to seek justice and change as a father in memory of my daughter."