Virginia Police Union Urges AG Candidate to Withdraw Over Controversial Texts

In Washington, the police union in Virginia is calling on Democratic Attorney General hopeful Jay Jones to withdraw from the race following the emergence of a disturbing text message. In the message, former state officials expressed disturbing fantasies about violence.

The text, dating back to 2022, came to light last week, yet Jones remained in the running, bolstered by support from local Democrats.

A former official stated, “Such behavior has no place in our society or government, especially from someone aspiring to be Virginia’s Attorney General.” The letter called for immediate accountability from Jones, insisting he should step down from his candidacy.

The police union highlighted the ongoing struggles of law enforcement, stating, “Our officers work hard to combat the type of violence reflected in your comments.”

Jones engaged in a series of troubling exchanges starting on August 8, 2022, with Republican Representative Carrie Coiner. He served in the Virginia State Assembly from 2018 until early 2022.

During this conversation, Jones expressed his frustration with then-Republican Speaker Todd Gilbert, going so far as to fantasize about harm coming to Gilbert’s family, according to a national review report.

Initially, Jones refrained from apologizing for the messages, instead directing criticism at his opponent, incumbent AG Jason Miyares, for what he termed “smear tactics.” However, he later claimed to have reached out to Gilbert and his family to express regret for the “serious mistake.”

Reportedly, one of the crude texts mentioned “Three People, Two Bullets,” referencing violence against Gilbert, and remarked on his disdain for the respect being afforded to a late centrist Democrat.

Several Democrats, including gubernatorial hopeful Abigail Spanberger, have condemned Jones’ comments but refrained from pushing for his withdrawal. Spanberger stated her focus is on holding him accountable while advocating for nonviolent discourse in politics.

Before the scandal, Jones had generally led in polls against Miyares, but the race was tightening. Discontent with Jones’ comments has brought calls from some Republicans for him to exit the race. Meanwhile, Democratic leaders, including Sen. Tim Kaine, have also distanced himself from Jones in light of the allegations.