Miyares Statement on AG Text Messages

Today, Attorney General Jason Miyares issued the following statement: “Fellow Virginians, The Attorney General is the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of Virginia, and law enforcement must be neutral and nonpartisan. It must be done with character and integrity. That is the only way every Virginian can trust they are safe.

With recent revelations, it is clear that Jay Jones has proven he is reckless, he is biased, and he is willing to trade his integrity away, disqualifying himself from ever serving as Attorney General for Virginia.

Before this last week, we knew Jay Jones had dangerously soft policies on criminal justice that put the lives of ordinary Virginians at risk, but now he’s made no secret about his radical understanding of power.

Jay Jones wished for the violent death of a political opponent, and then he fantasized about his political opponent’s children dying in their mother’s arms. When he was confronted with how despicable that is, he doubled down, saying that kind of grief and pain would be a good thing if it advanced his political views.

This conduct is disqualifying.

Putting politics aside, one has to be coming from a dark place to advocate the murder of a colleague and their family.

As a prosecutor, I’ve sat with crying victims. There is no sound more haunting than the cries of a parent who has lost a child. I’ve seen their pain, held their hands, and witnessed the devastation that violent crime leaves behind. No one should ever have to endure that kind of loss — least of all to advance a political agenda.

Prior to this week, the election for Attorney General was about the candidates and their policies. Public safety versus soft-on-crime policies. Now, it is about what kind of society Virginians want.

If you believe it is ok to wish death upon a political opponent — vote for my opponent. If you believe it is worth the death of children to advance your political goals, vote for my opponent. If you want to give a green light to violent lunatics, vote for my opponent.

As Attorney General, I took an oath to protect every Virginian — regardless of whether they are a Democrat or Republican, whether they like me or hate me, voted for me or not. My job is to stop violence, to protect innocent lives, and keep people safe. I cannot imagine someone running for this job who advocates for violence.

The Attorney General’s sworn duty is to serve as the Commonwealth’s top law enforcement officer and keep everyone safe and that is the job I will continue to do for the people of Virginia.”

Jason S. Miyares

Attorney General of Virginia