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
Statement of General Assembly Republican Leaders on Governor Northam’s Response to Protests and Riots
House Republican Leader C. Todd Gilbert (R-Shenandoah) and Senate Republican Leader Thomas K. Norment, Jr. (R-James City) today issued the following statement: “Today, Governor Northam faced the people of Virginia for the first time since four days of protests, looting, and vandalism struck our cities. Hundreds of people were arrested after rioters did untold amounts of damage to homes, businesses, … Read More
House Republican Leader Statement on George Floyd, Protests, and Recent Events
House Republican Leader Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah, issued the following statement: “What happened to George Floyd was inexcusable. Those of us who are not African-American cannot possibly understand the pain felt in that community. But we can see and know that our fellow Virginians are hurting, and they are rightfully angry. Those who march and demand justice are more than justified … Read More
House Republican Leader Statement on First Anniversary of Virginia Beach Shooting
House Republican Leader Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah, issued the following statement: “There are times when words are wholly inadequate. Such is this moment of grief and remembrance. One year ago, a dozen lives were taken from us in a moment of inexplicable anger and violence. Families were shattered, as too many realized they had said their final goodbyes unknowingly. “Today, we … Read More
House Republican Leadership Statement on Governor Northam’s Mask Edict
Governor Northam announced today that Virginians over the age of 10 will be required to wear a face covering in order to enter a myriad of establishments. This announcement comes over 10 weeks since Governor Northam declared a state of emergency due to COVID-19. House Republican Leader Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah, House Republican Caucus Chair Kathy Byron, R-Bedford, and House Republican … Read More
Governor Northam Listens to Local Governments Regarding Beaches — Sort Of
House Republican Leader Todd Gilbert issued the following statement regarding Governor Northam’s decision to allow Virginia Beach to open on Friday: “We’re finally seeing movement in the right direction, but there is still a disappointing lack of trust in people and local governments to be able to use what we know about this virus to be able to open as … Read More
House Republican Leader Statement on Atlantic COVID-19 Testing Story
“Today’s story in the Atlantic amplifies what the Richmond Times Dispatch had already reported: Doctor Northam and his team are committing malpractice with Virginia’s testing program. The Governor recently stated that ‘Virginia is in a good place.’ The Atlantic’s report contradicts that claim and undermines any faith in what’s been communicated to Virginians about testing in the Commonwealth. “In times … 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