Virginia Lawmaker Secures Protective Order After Alleged Threat from Democratic Staffer

Virginia Lawmaker Secures Protective Order After Alleged Threat from Democratic Staffer

A staff member associated with a Democratic campaign allegedly threatened a Republican delegate, prompting a Virginia magistrate to issue a protective order. The incident involves Delegate A.C. Cordoza, who represents Poquoson and parts of Hampton, and highlights the increasing tensions surrounding political discourse.

Details of the Incident

The protective order was granted by Magistrate Judge Gregory Kaliris after a heated exchange at a local registrar’s office. During this confrontation, the staffer, named Ms. Sanders, warned Cordoza to ‘back off’ as he attempted to engage with voters. Reports indicate that she escalated the situation by stating, ‘This is the last time I’m going to tell you’ followed by a direct threat to ‘put a knot on your head.’

Cordoza, reflecting on the encounter, expressed his concern about the rising hostility within the political landscape. He emphasized that this incident is not an isolated case but rather part of a disturbing trend in political engagements across the country.

Reactions from Both Sides

In response to local media inquiries, the campaign of Cordoza’s opponent, Virgil Thornton Sr., attempted to paint the narrative differently, claiming that Cordoza was the instigator. Despite this portrayal, the court’s decision to grant Cordoza a protective order underscores the seriousness of the threat he faced.

Cordoza recounted, ‘I was engaging with voters at the poll; talking about my record when one of my opponent’s campaign workers decided it was a good idea to threaten me. Given today’s climate of political violence, I took this threat seriously.’

Police Involvement

Following the altercation, Cordoza contacted the Hampton police for assistance. Officers responded promptly, and based on their investigation, they recommended that Cordoza file for a protective order, which Kaliris subsequently approved. This action underscores the importance and effectiveness of law enforcement in addressing threats against public officials.

Challenger’s Response

Thornton’s campaign did not respond to requests for comments on the issue. However, he later issued a statement asserting that Cordoza had ‘surrounded’ his niece during the altercation and claimed that the Republican lawmaker used his physical presence to intimidate her. He noted that police decided against filing charges against either individual, indicating that the situation was complex.

Cordoza’s Defense

Cordoza disputed Thornton’s account, suggesting that it was an attempt to portray him as aggressive to sway public opinion. He referred to prior campaign attacks, including misinformation suggesting that he had brandished a firearm. Local news outlet WAVY investigated the claims, revealing inconsistencies and lack of evidence in the ads promoting these allegations.

Escalating Political Violence

Cordoza elaborated on his situation by noting that he is the third member of the Virginia General Assembly to receive threats in the current political cycle. He referenced Delegate Kim Taylor, who faced a death threat via text message after condemning racist behavior aimed at Winsome Earle-Sears, the Republican nominee for governor. Another colleague, Delegate Geary Higgins, also encountered threats at a rally, showcasing the alarming trend of violence directed toward elected officials.

The Bigger Picture

The alarming uptick in political violence has sparked concerns among lawmakers, including Cordoza, who stated, ‘This is spiraling out of control.’ He urged a collective response to address and mitigate this growing issue. Meanwhile, former Norfolk lawmaker Jay Jones faced scrutiny for sending threatening texts envisioning violence against a Republican leader. This pattern of aggressive political behavior raises serious questions about the current state of political civility.

The Response from Democratic Leadership

Cordoza criticized Democratic leaders for not denouncing the threatening behavior exhibited by Jones, arguing that failing to address these incidents contributes to an environment where political violence is normalized. He voiced that political leaders must take responsibility for creating a safe atmosphere for open dialogue.

Legislative Initiatives for Safety

Amid these challenging circumstances, Cordoza continues to advocate for the Virginia Safety and Service Act, aimed at providing greater protection for lawmakers against threats and violence. He has also successfully introduced the CODI Alert, which informs the public about missing children at risk. This initiative has resulted in the recovery of all 14 children reported missing since its implementation.

Moving Forward Amid Challenges

Cordoza remains committed to his constituents, emphasizing the need for cooperation among lawmakers, irrespective of party affiliations. He frequently collaborates with Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, highlighting the importance of unity in addressing the challenges presented by political tensions. Despite the difficulties, Cordoza’s resolve suggests that he will continue fighting for both his safety and that of his constituents in an increasingly hostile political climate.