Virginia’s Governor Glenn Youngkin is urging Attorney General candidate Jay Jones to withdraw from the race following revelations that he had violent fantasies about Republican lawmakers. Specifically, Jones reportedly imagined them being shot in the head for opposing certain legislative texts.
Youngkin, a Republican, expressed his disgust over what he described as “violent” and “nasty” texts from Jones dating back to 2022. He emphasized that such rhetoric is completely unacceptable for someone seeking a top law enforcement position. “This violent and disgusting rhetoric targeting elected officials and their families is beyond disqualification,” he stated.
Jones allegedly wrote, “Gilbert will get two bullets in his head,” and also referred to the harm coming to Gilbert’s children. Youngkin remarked that there’s no room for apologies in this case, asserting that Jones lacks the character to continue in his campaign.
The governor criticized not only Jones but also the support network around him, suggesting that fellow Democrats in Virginia lack the integrity to distance themselves from Jones and his scandal-plagued candidacy.
The troubling text from Jones was initially reported by National Review and revealed to be sent on August 8, 2022, directed at Republican leader Carrie Coiner. In the message, Jones made references to Gilbert alongside historical figures associated with tyranny and violence, implying they all deserved fatal consequences.
Coiner responded to the messages, urging her associates to refrain from joking about violence or wishing harm upon others, pointing to a troubling trend in their communications.
Jones later defended himself, claiming he takes full responsibility for his words but expressed remorse for his actions. He admitted that reading those words made him feel sick and embarrassed, and he has reached out with apologies to Gilbert and his family.
This incident marks another controversy for the Democrats this week, with Youngkin’s scrutiny on Jones intensifying. Additionally, it was revealed that Jones had been arrested in 2022 for reckless driving but avoided jail time after completing community service.
As of now, Jones has not provided any comments in response to the unfolding situation.
