Virginia Police Condemn Attorney General Candidate’s Alleged Remarks

In a significant development that has sent shockwaves through Virginia’s political landscape, the Virginia State Police Association (VSPA) has publicly condemned alleged remarks made by attorney general candidate Jay Jones, calling them “profoundly reckless” and “an affront to fallen officers.” The controversy stems from a reported 2020 conversation in which Jones allegedly suggested that if more police officers died, they might be less inclined to shoot or kill civilians. This claim was brought forward by Republican Delegate Carrie Coyner, who told Virginia Scope that during a discussion about qualified immunity, Jones made the shocking comment after she expressed concern that without legal protections, more officers would be killed. “Well, maybe if a few of them died, that they would move on, not shooting people, not killing people,” Jones reportedly said, though he has vehemently denied making such a statement.

VSPA President Tim Confroy expressed the organization’s deep disturbance over the alleged comments, emphasizing that such rhetoric undermines the foundation of mutual respect and public trust essential for effective law enforcement and officer safety. “The words dishonor every man and woman who has sworn to protect and serve the Commonwealth,” Confroy stated, noting that 67 Virginia state troopers have lost their lives in the line of duty. The association characterized the reported statement as “unconscionable” and a direct insult to the memory of fallen officers. In the current political climate, where law enforcement faces increasing scrutiny and challenges, the VSPA stressed the importance of elected officials promoting “meaningful advocacy that recognizes the inherent risk of public service” rather than inflammatory rhetoric that could potentially endanger officers’ lives.

This controversy compounds Jones’s political troubles, as it emerges amid a separate scandal involving private text messages in which he allegedly fantasized about violence toward political opponents. These messages, which have been made public, show Jones suggesting he would shoot then-House Speaker Todd Gilbert “over Adolf Hitler” and writing that Gilbert and his wife should have to watch their “fascist” children die. In one particularly disturbing message, Jones wrote, “Three people, two bullets. Gilbert, Hitler, and Pol Pot. Gilbert gets two bullets to the head.” The violent and graphic nature of these texts has sparked outrage across the political spectrum, with many questioning whether someone who expressed such thoughts should serve as Virginia’s top law enforcement official.

The fallout has been swift and bipartisan. Prominent Democrats and Republicans alike have deemed Jones’s comments disqualifying for someone seeking to become Virginia’s Attorney General. The Virginia Fraternal Order of Police joined the VSPA in condemning Jones, sending a letter asking him to withdraw from the attorney general race immediately. “The Virginia Fraternal Order of Police is aware of the recent text message scandal involving you, the Democrat candidate for Attorney General. While this incident may have occurred in 2022, this 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 FOP wrote in their letter. They unequivocally condemned the violent text messages Jones allegedly sent about a political opponent and his family.

The dual controversies highlight the intense scrutiny candidates for public office face, especially those running for positions with direct oversight of law enforcement. The Attorney General serves as the state’s chief legal officer, responsible for upholding the law and representing the Commonwealth in legal matters. The position demands not only legal expertise but also a demonstrated commitment to fairness, justice, and respect for all citizens and public servants, including law enforcement officers who risk their lives daily. The allegations against Jones raise serious questions about his temperament and judgment, core qualities voters consider when selecting someone for such a critical role in state government.

As the Virginia attorney general race continues, Jones faces mounting pressure to address these controversies more substantively. While he has denied making the alleged comment about police officers dying, the text message scandal presents a more difficult challenge, as the written evidence appears more concrete. Political analysts suggest that these controversies could significantly impact the election outcome, potentially turning what was expected to be a competitive race into one that favors his opponent. Virginia voters, known for their pragmatic approach to politics, will ultimately decide whether these controversies render Jones unfit for office or if they believe his vision for the office outweighs these concerns. Meanwhile, law enforcement organizations across the Commonwealth continue to express their deep concern about the possibility of having an Attorney General they perceive as hostile to police serving as their legal representative.

The ongoing situation serves as a stark reminder of how quickly political fortunes can change and the importance of thoughtful communication in public life. It also underscores the unique challenges faced by candidates for law enforcement positions, who must balance advocacy for reform with respect for those who serve in uniform. As election day approaches, Virginia voters will weigh these controversies alongside policy positions, experience, and other factors in making their decision about who should serve as their next Attorney General. Regardless of the outcome, this episode has sparked important conversations about the relationship between law enforcement and elected officials, the boundaries of acceptable political discourse, and the personal qualities we expect from those who seek to enforce our laws.