Disturbing text messages sent by Democratic Party nominee for Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones have resurfaced, sparking controversy over his conduct. The exchanges, dated August 8, 2022, and recently disclosed on October 3, 2025, reveal a troubling pattern of violent rhetoric directed at political adversaries.
Jones’s messages to Republican Delegate Carrie Coyne included graphic references to harming colleagues, including Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert. In one exchange, Jones wrote, “If those guys die before me, I will go to their funerals to piss on their graves,” and later joked about a hypothetical murder scenario involving Gilbert, Adolf Hitler, and Pol Pot. He defended his remarks by stating, “Only when people feel pain personally do they move on policy.”
Coyne condemned the texts as “disgusting and unbecoming of any public official,” noting Jones’s references to harming colleagues’ children and joking about shooting Gilbert. The messages have intensified scrutiny of Jones’s suitability for office amid his competitive bid against incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares (R).
Jones acknowledged regret over the messages, stating, “Violent rhetoric has no place in our politics,” while attributing their release to his opponent and former President Donald J. Trump. The fallout could jeopardize his campaign as voters grapple with the implications of his remarks.
