Overview

• Screenshots shared by GOP Del. Carrie Coyner and published by National Review show Jay Jones in 2022 fantasizing about killing then–House Speaker Todd Gilbert and invoking harm to Gilbert’s family.
• Jones has apologized, saying he takes full responsibility, is embarrassed and ashamed, and has reached out to Gilbert and his family to apologize directly.
• President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, Gov. Glenn Youngkin, and AG Jason Miyares urged Jones to quit the race, with Youngkin calling the messages “beyond disqualifying” and Miyares dismissing Jones’s apology as “fake.”
• Some Democrats condemned the language without demanding Jones exit, the Virginia Beach Democratic Committee reaffirmed support, and Neera Tanden labeled the exchange a private conversation while still calling it disgusting; Abigail Spanberger said she was disgusted but did not call for withdrawal.
• Media scrutiny intensified as Sunday shows were criticized for scant coverage, then MSNBC’s Mika Brzezinski expressed disgust and Joe Scarborough said Jones should probably be forced to withdraw, while outlets also resurfaced Jones’s 2022 reckless‑driving episode in assessing his temperament.