The Fraternal Order of Police of Virginia has called on Democratic attorney general candidate Jay Jones to withdraw from the race following reports of violent text messages he allegedly sent concerning a political opponent and the opponent’s family.
According to a letter signed by Virginia FOP President Ray Clemons, addressed to “Jay Jones for Attorney General,” the organization condemns the alleged violent text messages. The group states that such rhetoric “has no place in our society or democracy,” particularly from someone aspiring to be the top prosecutor. Clemons emphasizes that law enforcement aims to counter violence against Virginians and that candidates should maintain higher standards. The letter concludes with a call for Jones to “withdraw from the Attorney General race immediately.”
National Review reported that the texts were exchanged in 2022, including one where Jones allegedly wrote about having “two bullets” and choosing between then-Speaker Todd Gilbert and dictators Adolf Hitler or Pol Pot, stating he would shoot Gilbert “twice… every time.” The article further describes additional violent rhetoric, identifying GOP Delegate Carrie Coyner as the recipient, who labeled the messages as “disqualifying.” The Virginia FOP’s post sharing its letter gained significant attention, highlighting public concern over violent political language.
Beyond this exchange, the report outlines three other violent statements attributed to Jones: fantasizing about shooting Gilbert; wishing for Gilbert’s wife to witness their children die “in her arms” as a catalyst for policy change; and expressing an intention to attend Republican colleagues’ funerals to “piss on their graves.” These instances suggest a pattern of extreme language towards political opponents and their families, which critics argue normalizes hostility. Coyner’s condemnation underscores bipartisan expectations for civility in public service.
The Fraternal Order of Police of Virginia is affiliated with the national FOP and represents local lodges and law enforcement officers across Virginia. It advocates on issues such as officer safety, community policing, and criminal justice policy. With Ray Clemons as president and Allan Iversen as secretary, the organization regularly issues public statements on law-and-order matters and candidate qualifications, stressing respect for civil discourse and public safety.
