SHOCKING: Virginia AG Candidate Jay Jones’ Texts Reveal Threat to Shoot Republican Speaker

Virginia Attorney General candidate Jay Jones is facing intense scrutiny after text messages from 2022 surfaced, revealing violent rhetoric directed at then-House Speaker Todd Gilbert.

The messages, sent to Republican Delegate Carrie Coyner, included a chilling statement: “Three people, two bullets… Gilbert, Hitler, and Pol Pot. Gilbert gets two bullets to the head.”

Jones further elaborated, stating, “Spoiler: put Gilbert in the crew with the two worst people you know and he receives both bullets every time.”

These texts have sparked bipartisan condemnation, with many questioning Jones’ fitness for public office.

Governor Glenn Youngkin expressed outrage, calling the remarks “violent and disgusting rhetoric.”

Youngkin added that these messages are “beyond disqualifying” for a candidate seeking to be the state’s top law enforcement official.

Delegate Coyner, who received the messages, described them as “disturbing” and “disqualifying,” emphasizing the severity of the threat implied.

Jones initially downplayed the controversy, accusing his opponent, incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares, of orchestrating a smear campaign.

However, as public backlash grew, Jones issued a public apology, admitting he had sent the messages and expressing remorse for his words.

He stated, “I take full responsibility for my actions and have reached out to Speaker Gilbert and his family to apologize directly.”

Despite the apology, many remain unconvinced, citing the gravity of the statements and the potential implications for public safety.

The controversy has overshadowed the campaign, with Jones’ opponent, Jason Miyares, condemning the remarks and questioning Jones’ judgment.

Miyares remarked, “You have to be coming from an incredibly dark place to say what you said. Not by a stranger. By a colleague. Somebody you had served with.”

The incident has also drawn criticism from within Jones’ own party. Democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger condemned the remarks but stopped short of calling for Jones to withdraw from the race.

Lieutenant Governor candidate Ghazala Hashmi also condemned the statements, stating, “I condemn it at every turn, Jay must take accountability for the pain that his words have caused.”

The Republican Attorneys General Association has called for Jones to withdraw from the race, citing the severity of the comments.

This incident adds to a series of controversies surrounding Jones, including a 2022 reckless driving conviction where he was clocked at 116 mph but avoided jail time by completing community service hours with his own political action committee.

Legal experts note that while the messages may not result in criminal charges, they raise serious ethical concerns about Jones’ suitability for public office.

The timing of the revelation is particularly damaging, coming just weeks before the November election, with early voting already underway.

Polls indicate a tight race between Jones and Miyares, with the controversy potentially influencing undecided voters.