Overview

• Private messages first published by National Review show Jay Jones texting in 2022 that in a hypothetical he would give former House Speaker Todd Gilbert “two bullets to the head” and that he would “piss on” Republicans’ graves.
• Recipient Carrie Coyner confirmed the exchange and called the comments disturbing and disqualifying, saying Jones also referenced wishing pain on Gilbert’s family.
• Republican organizations, including the Republican Attorneys General Association, urged Jones to withdraw, and Gov. Glenn Youngkin said he should step away in disgrace.
• Prominent Democrats criticized the language, with gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger saying she was disgusted and that Jones must take full responsibility, while Sen. Mark Warner called the remarks appalling.
• Jones acknowledged and apologized for the texts, said he reached out to Gilbert and his family, and affirmed he will remain in the attorney general race as GOP groups circulate the messages during an already close contest with early voting underway; the disclosures follow recent reporting on his 2022 reckless-driving plea and community service.