BREAKING: Democrat candidate for Virginia AG Jay Jones cancels fundraiser amid GOP assassination fantasy scandal

Jay Jones, the Democratic nominee for attorney general in Virginia, has called off a Thursday night fundraiser that was set to be hosted by best-selling novelist David Baldacci. A person familiar with the situation confirmed the cancellation to Axios, describing it as a sign that Jones’ campaign is now in full damage-control mode.

The move follows public backlash over a series of 2022 text messages in which Jones reportedly joked about saving “two bullets” for the Republican speaker of the Virginia House.

In the text messages, Jones wrote, "Three people, two bullets. Gilbert, hitler and pol pot. Gilbert gets two bullets to the head. Spoiler: put Gilbert in the crew with the two worst people you know and he receives both bullets every time." Coyner replied at the time, "Jay Please stop."

According to sources close to the campaign, Democratic donors were notified that their contributions for the now-canceled event would be refunded. Representatives for both the Jones campaign and Kaine declined to comment on the cancellation.

The controversy has shaken up the attorney general’s race at a critical moment, with early voting already underway. While prominent Virginia Democrats — including the state’s two U.S. senators — have condemned Jones’ past remarks, few have gone so far as to urge him to withdraw from the race.

Senator Tim Kaine who had been scheduled to appear at the Baldacci fundraiser, told reporters on Tuesday that while he remains a supporter of Jones, the candidate’s comments were “indefensible.” Kaine emphasized that Jones has taken responsibility and apologized.

Earlier today, the Virginia Fraternal Order of Police (VFOP) called on Jones to step out of the race. It has also been reported that Jones previously said if "a few" police officers died, then cops would stop "killing people."

The fallout from the controversy continues to ripple through Virginia politics, casting uncertainty over one of the state’s most closely watched races.