Virginia Democratic Candidate for Attorney General Under Fire for Threatening Texts

Jay Jones, the Democratic nominee for Virginia attorney general, is facing controversy after 공개 uncovered a series of disturbing text messages he sent in 2022. In one exchange, he allegedly suggested that then-House Speaker Todd Gilbert deserved to be shot in the head, referencing a hypothetical involving violence.

The messages, obtained from a source, include Jones’s remarks such as, “Gilbert gets two bullets to the head,” and comparing him to infamous dictators like Hitler and Pol Pot. During the exchange, Jones also expressed a desire to attend the funerals of certain politicians and make negative comments about Gilbert’s family.

The messages first came to light Friday through reports by the National Review, revealing that Jones sent the texts to a fellow Republican legislator, Carrie Coyner, around 8 a.m. on August 8, 2022. Coyner responded with concern, urging Jones to stop and expressing discomfort with his violent comments.

Jones reportedly doubled down during a phone call with Coyner, suggesting he wished Gilbert’s wife could see her children die, aiming to influence her political stance. Coyner characterized the conversation as disturbing and disqualifying for anyone seeking public office.

While Jones acknowledged that he sent the messages, he did not offer an apology. Instead, he accused his opponent, Attorney General Jason Miyares, of spreading smears to damage his reputation. Jones claimed that the smear campaign was orchestrated to tie him to former President Trump, asserting, “This race is about whether Trump can control Virginia or Virginians control Virginia.”

In a subsequent statement, Jones expressed remorse, stating he had reached out directly to Gilbert and his family to apologize, describing his messages as “a grave mistake” and admitting feelings of shame and embarrassment.

This controversy follows another recent scandal involving Jones. Earlier this week, it was reported that in 2022, he was cited for reckless driving after being caught going 116 mph but avoided jail by completing 500 hours of community service through his political action committee.