A Virginia Democratic candidate for attorney general, Jay Jones, has issued an apology for violent remarks contained in leaked text messages. The messages, shared by National Review, detail Jones’ fantasies of harming Republican politician Todd Gilbert and his family. While acknowledging responsibility for his actions, Jones has decided to remain in the race despite the controversy.
The leaked texts, published on Friday, revealed Jones’ tirade against then-Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert. In the messages, he went on a violent rant, expressing his desire to see Gilbert die before him. He also described his wish to see Gilbert’s wife witness her child’s death in her arms, hoping it would change Gilbert’s political views.
According to National Review, Jones told Republican politician Carrie Coyner in the texts that he would ‘go to their funerals to piss on their graves’ and ‘send them out awash in something.’ He further stated, ‘Three people, two bullets. Gilbert, Hitler, and Pol Pot. Gilbert gets two bullets to the head. Spoiler: put Gilbert in the crew with the two worst people you know and he receives both bullets every time.’
Following the release of the messages, Jones said he takes ‘full responsibility’ for his words but refused to leave the race. He has reached out to Speaker Gilbert, his wife Jennifer, and their children to apologize directly. ‘Reading back those words made me sick to my stomach… I have reached out to Speaker Gilbert to apologize directly to him, his wife Jennifer, and their children,’ he said, adding that ‘Virginians deserve honest leaders who admit when they are wrong.’
Republican vice president J.D. Vance has condemned Jones as a ‘very deranged person’ and urged him to drop out of the race. The controversy comes as Republicans have blamed violent rhetoric from Democrats and left-leaning activists for the assassination of conservative organizer and podcaster Charlie Kirk last month. Dozens were fired or suspended from their jobs for cheering or mocking Kirk’s death.
Democrats, however, have argued that the current political climate is also influenced by the rhetoric of President Donald Trump and other Republicans. They contend that the heightened tensions have created an environment where individuals may feel justified in expressing extreme views. Despite the backlash, Jones has chosen to remain in the, stating that his actions were a result of his frustration with the political landscape.
The case of Jay Jones has sparked a broader conversation about the impact of political rhetoric and the responsibilities of public figures. As the election season heats up, questions remain about how such incidents can affect voter perception and the integrity of the political process. Political analysts are now closely watching the situation to see how it will influence the upcoming race for Virginia’s attorney general.