Tue Oct 07 10:20:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Virginia Democratic Attorney General candidate Jay Jones is facing intense scrutiny and calls for his withdrawal from the race following the resurfacing of violent text messages. These messages include threats against Republican lawmaker Todd Gilbert and disturbing comments about police officers. Republicans, the Virginia Fraternal Order of Police, and even MSNBC panelist John Heilemann have urged Jones to step down. While Jones denies the most recent allegations, the controversy continues to escalate. No high-level Democrats have come out against Jones.

**News Article:**

**Virginia AG Candidate Jay Jones Under Fire for Violent Messages, Faces Calls to Drop Out**

**RICHMOND, VA –** Virginia Democratic Attorney General candidate Jay Jones is embroiled in controversy after violent text messages and remarks resurfaced, prompting widespread calls for his withdrawal from the race.

Jones is accused of suggesting that police officers should die so they “move on, not shooting people,” according to Republican Del. Carrie Coyner. She stated the exchange occurred in 2020. The claims have added to the already mounting pressure following the exposure of 2022 texts where Jones allegedly advocated violence against then-House Speaker Todd Gilbert and his family. The texts included phrases like “Gilbert gets two bullets to the head” and hopes for the death of Gilbert’s children.

The Virginia Fraternal Order of Police has issued a strongly worded letter demanding Jones’ immediate withdrawal from the Attorney General race, condemning his “violent text messages” and stating that he is “unfit for the office.” Republicans, including Gov. Glenn Youngkin, have echoed this sentiment, calling Jones’ comments “beyond disqualifying.”

“My position is very clear,” Coyner told Fox News Digital. “It is never acceptable to think that killing people is a justifiable method to achieve policy changes. Period. Anyone that advocates for killing someone for disagreeing with them is not qualified to serve.”

The controversy has even reached across the aisle, with MSNBC’s John Heilemann publicly urging Jones to abandon his campaign.

Jones has denied the recent allegations regarding his comments about police officers. “I did not say this. I have never believed and do not believe that any harm should come to law enforcement, period,” Jones said.

While the controversy continues to escalate, no high-level Democrats have come out against Jones. Fox News Digital has reached out to Coyner and Jones and has yet to receive a response.

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