The Virginia Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) is calling on Jay Jones, the Democratic nominee for Virginia Attorney General, to withdraw from the race over newly revealed text messages Jones allegedly sent as a state delegate wishing death upon former House Speaker Todd Gilbert, his wife, and children.
In a letter to Jones, Virginia FOP President Ray Clemons said that while Jones’ alleged text messages were sent in 2022, such conduct “has no place in our society or democracy, especially from an elected official who is running to be the top prosecutor in Virginia.”
“The men and women of the Virginia Fraternal Order unequivocally condemn these violent text messages sent by you about a political opponent and his family,” the letter reads.
Clemons said while the FOP supports “everyone’s right to respectful and peaceful discussions with a political figure,” the calling for any violence is “unacceptable.”
“We have seen what this type of rhetoric has caused in other parts of the country. The men and women of law enforcement work tirelessly to combat the violence you wished on a fellow Virginian and his family,” the letter adds.
“Therefore, the members of the Virginia Fraternal Order of Police believe that you, Jay Jones, are unfit for the office of Attorney General of Virginia. It is time you hold yourself accountable for these actions and withdraw from the Attorney General race immediately,” the letter concludes.
A copy of the letter was also sent to Democratic Party of Virginia Chairman Lamont Bagby, who has not spoken publicly about the text messages Jones allegedly sent in 2022 since they were revealed last week.
Jones’ opponent in the race, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, said the alleged 2022 text messages Jones sent “cross a moral line” and disqualify him from holding public office.
Miyares said the alleged messages reveal a “darkness” about Jones, and framed the attorney general race as a moral choice, not a political one, saying it is no longer “right vs. left,” but “right vs. wrong.”
“I view this race no longer as a left vs. right race. I view this as right vs. wrong. This is really about what kind of Virginia we want,” Miyares said on The John Fredericks Show.
– – –
Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Virginia Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Photo “Jay Jones” by Jay Jones.
Editor’s Note: John Fredericks is the Publisher of The Virginia Star.
