Jay Jones, the Democratic candidate for Virginia Attorney General, is under scrutiny this week due to a series of 2022 text messages in which he discussed shooting the former state speaker, Todd Gilbert. In these texts, Jones reportedly said, “Three, two bullets,” suggesting a violent scenario involving Gilbert, among other figures.
This information was brought to light by the Republican Attorneys General Association. In one of the messages, Jones wrote, “Gilbert, Hitler, Polpot,” and indicated that Gilbert should receive “two bullets” in his head.
He further elaborated, saying if Gilbert was paired with the worst individuals, he would still receive “both bullets.” Coiner, who seemingly questioned him about these statements, received an apology from Jones afterward. Jones expressed remorse for the messages and reached out to Gilbert’s family to convey his regret.
In a statement to NBC News, Jones said it made him feel “sick to my stomach” and that he felt embarrassed and sorry. He acknowledged that he couldn’t undo what he had said but could take responsibility and offer a genuine apology.
Coiner affirmed that several news outlets confirmed the texts and criticized Jones, urging him to withdraw from the Attorney General race. He stated that such comments disqualified someone from seeking public office.
Virginia Democrats have condemned these messages, while GOP legislators have called for Jones to end his campaign. One Republican tweeted that Jones lacks the morality to stay in the race and criticized his Democratic colleagues for not stepping away either.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger mentioned she conversed with Jones and expressed her disgust over his remarks. She emphasized the importance of taking full responsibility and reiterated that, as a candidate and future governor, her stance against violent rhetoric in politics would remain strong.
