Andy Parker, father of the local television journalist murdered on live television by a racist gay prostitute/failed reporter, has been on a rampage against Virginia politicians in recent weeks in hyperbole filled anti-gun rants saying he would do “whatever it takes” to impose his will on others.

He has now stepped over the line with what many reasonable people would interpret as a threat.

A state senator from Southwest Virginia told police Wednesday that he had been threatened by the father of the Roanoke TV reporter fatally shot during a live broadcast in August.

Andy Parker has become the public face of gun control in Virginia in the aftermath of his daughter’s slaying, appearing with Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D), campaigning for legislative candidates who favor gun control, and starring in TV commercials that are part of a $2.2 million ad buy bankrolled by former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg’s gun safety group.

Late Tuesday, Parker sent this message to Sen. William M. Stanley Jr. (R-Franklin), via Facebook: “I’m going to be your worst nightmare you little bastard.”

“I take this very seriously as a threat against the safety of my family,” said Stanley, who enjoys an A rating from the National Rifle Association. He said he contacted Capitol Police and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, and picked up applications for concealed handgun permits for himself and his wife because of the message.

“We are proud firearms owners, but I never felt the need for a concealed carry permit until now,” Stanley said.

Parker confirmed that he sent the message but said the only intended threat was political.

“I don’t own a gun,” Parker said. “I have a pellet gun, that’s it. . . . If he thinks I’m going to be a threat to him other than a political threat, that is just mind-boggling.”

Parker doesn’t own a gun, yet, but has already stated his intention to purchase one.

I’d hope that Parker’s threats are taken seriously. Like most gun control supporters, he does not appear to be rational, and may be prone to violence.