Virginia Democratic AG candidate's texts fantasize violence against GOP leader
Text messages from Jay Jones, the Democratic nominee for Virginia attorney general, have surfaced in which he expressed violent fantasies toward Republican House Speaker Todd Gilbert. The messages, first obtained by National Review, include references to shooting Gilbert and desecrating Republican graves. The revelations have prompted calls for Jones to drop out of the race.
The controversy erupted from text messages exchanged around the time of Democrat Delegate Joe Johnson's funeral in 2023. Johnson, who died at age 90, was eulogized by then-GOP House Speaker Todd Gilbert, prompting anger from Jones.
In messages to Republican Delegate Carrie Coyner, Jones wrote: “Three people, two bullets. Gilbert, Hitler and Pol Pot. Gilbert gets two bullets to the head.” He added, “Spoiler: put Gilbert in the crew with the two worst people you know and he receives both bullets every time.” Earlier, Jones stated he would attend funerals of Republican lawmakers “to piss on their graves. … Send them out awash in something.”
A follow-up exchange confirmed Jones' intent. When Coyner confronted him about hoping for the death of Gilbert's wife Jennifer's children, Jones replied: “Yes. I’ve told you this before. Only when people feel pain personally do they move on policy.” He further said, “I mean do I think Todd and Jennifer are evil and that they are breeding little fascists? Yes.”
The texts, uncovered by National Review, have drawn sharp criticism. Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, a Republican running for governor, issued a statement: “This is horrible to read and should be wholly disqualifying of someone running for an office that protects the people of Virginia. Jay Jones’ horrific comments are a symptom of the entire Democratic Party and his running mate, Abigail Spanberger, needs to call on him to drop out.” She praised current Attorney General Jason Miyares for his service.
Politico reported the story as a string of messages where Jones “mused about violence directed toward a political rival,” noting it has triggered backlash ahead of the November election. Jones has not issued a public apology based on available reports.