House Republican Leader Todd Gilbert issued the following statement:

“In 1979, Vincent Martin executed Richmond Police Patrolman Michael P. Connors. When Martin was initially granted parole several weeks ago, law enforcement organizations roundly condemned this decision. The process leading to his release was so flawed, and potentially illegal, that it sparked an investigation by the state Office of Inspector General. Secretary of Public Safety Brian Moran said the investigation would remove ‘the cloud’ from the release. Now, with the investigation still ongoing, Vincent Martin is a free man.

“For the Northam administration to release this cop killer even before the Inspector General’s investigation is complete is a travesty. To use current events to sneak the release past the public is worse. Governor Northam and his team won’t condemn calls to defund the police. Now it’s clear why. Law enforcement has no friend in Ralph Northam.”