House Republican Leader C. Todd Gilbert (R-Shenandoah), issued the following statement: “When the Virginia Parole Board told the Department of Corrections to release Vincent Martin, they did so incorrectly. Parole in Virginia requires that certain procedures be followed by the board for a grant of parole to be legal. In this instance, the rights of the family of the victim … Read More
Statement of House and Senate Republican Leaders on Inspector General’s Report on Parole Board Misconduct
House Republican Leader C. Todd Gilbert (R-Shenandoah), Senate Republican Leader Thomas K. Norment, Jr. (R-James City), and Senator Mark D. Obenshain (R-Rockingham) today issued the following statement regarding the Office of State Inspector General’s report on Parole Board misconduct: “We have finally received the Office of State Inspector General report regarding the Virginia Parole Board’s handling of the parole Vincent … Read More
House Republican Leader Todd Gilbert Statement on OSIG Parole Board Report
House Republican Leader Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah, issued the following statement: “Today, I learned that the Office of State Inspector General has completed its report on a complaint filed regarding the Parole Board. According to published reports, the office was investigating claims that the board had not followed the law regarding the release of prisoners, including Vincent Martin, who was convicted … Read More
House GOP Leader Gilbert Statement On Governor’s ‘Defund the Police’ Comments
House Republican Leader Todd Gilbert issued the following statement: “Respectfully, Governor, the effort to “defund the police” is about more than ‘semantics.’ It’s a clear attempt to punish all law enforcement officers for the actions of a few, rather than providing them with the resources they need to keep our communities safe — a task made more difficult by your … Read More
House GOP Leader Gilbert: Release of Martin Before OSIG Investigation Completion Shows Northam Administration is No Friend to Law Enforcement
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. … Read More
House GOP Leader Gilbert: Governor Northam Must Condemn Calls to ‘Defund the Police’
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 … Read More
General Assembly Republicans Call for Moratorium on Release of Violent Felons
House Republican Leader C. Todd Gilbert (R-Shenandoah) and Senate Republican Leader Thomas K. Norment, Jr. (R-James City), and the immediate past chairmen of the House and Senate Courts of Justice Committees, Delegate Robert B. “Rob” Bell (R-Albemarle) and Senator Mark D. Obenshain (R-Rockingham), today issued the following statement calling on Governor Ralph S. Northam (D) to institute a moratorium on … Read More
House Republican Leader Todd Gilbert Statement on Governor Northam’s Signing of Gun Control Bills
House Republican Leader Todd Gilbert issued the following statement: “To take a victory lap on such a controversial issue at a time when Virginians are buying firearms at a record pace to protect themselves and their families is counterintuitive. “To do so at a time when we need all Virginians unified in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic is counterproductive. … Read More
Crime Commission Begins Two-Day Meeting to Discuss Measures to Keep Virginia Communities Safe
RICHMOND — The Virginia State Crime Commission began a two-day meeting Monday as part of the ongoing General Assembly session on public safety that began on July 9, 2019 and will reconvene on November 18. Monday’s meeting included seven hours of expert testimony and presentations on firearms, mental health, and criminal justice. “These two days of meetings are the start … Read More
Northam Blocks Opioid Bill Backed by AG Herring, Local Prosecutors
Hugo: “When we tried to take action to save lives, Governor Northam stood in the way” For the third time in as many days, Democrat Governor Ralph Northam has vetoed bipartisan legislation designed to keep Virginians safe. Acting Thursday, Northam vetoed House Bill 2528, which would have allowed prosecutors to charge drug dealers with second degree murder if the drugs they … Read More