House Republican Leader Todd Gilbert issued the following statement:

“As national, state, and local Democrats across the country have begun to acquiesce to calls to ‘defund the police,’ it is crucial that Governor Northam and Virginia Democrats condemn this destructive position. The overwhelming majority of law enforcement officers are men and women of good character who put their lives on the line daily to protect their fellow citizens, regardless of their race or station in life.

“The need for reform and accountability is incompatible with calls to defund or dismantle our police departments. Failing to stand up for law enforcement now would send the wrong message to Virginians and those who would do business here — that public safety in Virginia is no longer a serious priority.”