Virginia Delegate Kim Taylor latest target of political threats, suspect in custody

A surge in politically motivated threats has hit Virginia.

State Delegate Kim Taylor (R-Petersburg) is the latest elected official to face a credible threat on her life.

According to authorities, the alleged perpetrator is now in custody.

Taylor’s campaign received a text message on Thursday threatening her life. Local law enforcement launched a formal investigation and the suspect was arrested in the evening. 

The Dinwiddie County Sheriff’s Office has identified Michael Ray Strawmyer, 33, of DeWitt, Virginia, as the suspect in custody. 

The suspect is being held at the Meherrin River Correctional Facility near South Hill, according to Fox News.

According to reports, Strawmyer thought Taylor was “ruining the country” and made reference to her political party and opponents in the text message. 

In a statement, Taylor said she is “safe and doing well” and thanked law enforcement. 

“No threat will distract her from the work she was elected to do,” her campaign said.