According to the messages, Jones allegedly told then–House Delegate Carrie Coyner he wanted to give former Republican Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert ‘two bullets to the head’ and to urinate on his grave. The texts date from August 2022, months after Jones left the state House and before his nomination.
National Review obtained the text content while the Western Journal publicized excerpts, placing Jones under intense scrutiny. Jones is the Democratic nominee for Virginia attorney general and will face Republican incumbent Jason Miyares in November. The revelations intensified partisan attacks and renewed debate over fitness for office and campaign conduct.
Coyner, the recipient of some messages, urged Jones to stop and said threats or wishes of harm disturbed her regardless of politics. Jones allegedly dismissed her concern with “Lol” and “Ok, ok.” Political opponents and some commentators cited the exchange as evidence of poor judgment and a character problem publicly.
The timing — August 2022, after Jones left the state House — raised questions about temperament and whether private messages reflect campaign fitness. Critics demanded withdrawal while supporters argued the texts were private. The dispute became a campaign issue that could influence undecided voters ahead of the attorney general election.
Media coverage from outlets like National Review and Western Journal accelerated scrutiny and kept the controversy prominent after publication. How Jones and his campaign respond — with apology, explanation or defiance — will shape public perception and may determine whether calls to withdraw gain traction in November before voters decide.
