Controversy Erupts Over Virginia AG Candidate’s Apology

Virginia’s Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares criticized Democratic candidate Jay Jones on Monday, calling his recent apology “fake.” This stems from a series of text messages where Jones had expressed disturbing thoughts about violence, particularly regarding children.

Jones issued an apology on Saturday after it came to light that he had been discussing—over a text chain since August 2022—the idea of filming former Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert in a violent context. He admitted to feeling “embarrassed” about previous comments he made. Miyares, in a discussion on “American Newsroom,” argued that Jones didn’t genuinely regret his past statements and questioned his suitability for the attorney general position.

Miyares emphasized the gravity of the role, stating, “As the top prosecutor in Virginia, your job is to put an end to violence. You talk about kids, not just your coworkers.” He further articulated his concern, saying it was disheartening that Jones, instead of genuinely apologizing, seemed to escalate the situation by wishing harm on Gilbert’s children.

In a conversation with Republican delegate Carrie Coiner, Jones had reportedly suggested that change comes only through pain, criticizing Gilbert’s stance on gun violence. At one point, he unsettlingly proposed that Gilbert’s wife should hold their deceased child to pressure Gilbert into reconsidering his views.

After the backlash, Jones accepted “full accountability” and issued an apology to Gilbert’s family. He expressed remorse, saying the remarks made him “sick” and that he felt deeply embarrassed.

Miyares responded by asserting that Jones lacked the basic decency expected from someone vying for the attorney general role. He deemed the apology insincere, suggesting it was merely a political strategy to salvage his career after being called out for his comments.

He shared an emotional perspective from his experience as a prosecutor, emphasizing the profound pain of those who lose a child: “There is no scream like the cry of a mother who has lost her child.” He reinforced that this attitude was disqualifying for someone seeking such a significant public office.

Virginia’s Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin echoed Miyares’ sentiments, labeling Jones’ comments as severely disqualifying for the position of Attorney General.