FBI Raids Office of Virginia Sen. L. Louise Lucas; Probe Began Under Biden

Democrats accused the Trump administration of political prosecution after FBI agents raided the Portsmouth office and cannabis dispensary of Virginia Senate President Pro Tem L. Louise Lucas.

Reports emerged after the raid that the investigation into the 81-year-old, three-decade senator began under former President Joe Biden's administration. The Associated Press, New York Times and other outlets cited federal government sources who spoke on condition of anonymity about the ongoing criminal probe.

One person told the AP that the investigation into Democratic Sen. L. Louise Lucas opened during Biden's administration. An official told News of the United States that the probe was financial in nature and began under Biden. The New York Times described it similarly and pointed to concerns over corruption and bribery.

Scandal-plagued Attorney General Jay Jones, whose comments about envisioning the murder of the commonwealth's former GOP House Speaker marked his successful campaign, criticized President Donald Trump and failed prosecutions of his political enemies.

"We simply do not have sufficient information about the reported FBI activity in Portsmouth. However, several previous actions of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia have undermined public confidence in that office," Jones said of the Alexandria-based office that handles cases in Lucas' region.

He cited failed prosecutions against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, both dismissed by a judge before trial. Jones urged restraint until facts emerge. He referred in part to allegations tied to a home linked to James in nearby Norfolk.

Rep. Bobby Scott, a Newport News Democrat who has represented Lucas' area for 33 years, criticized Trump after the raid.

"While we await the full facts of the investigation, it must be acknowledged that this FBI raid occurs in the broader context of President Trump’s repeated abuse of the Department of Justice to target his perceived political opponents," Scott said. He noted the raid's timing after Virginia voters approved Lucas' redistricting bid.

"Senator Lucas helped lead the successful effort by Virginia voters to reject President Trump’s attempt to rig the midterm elections," he said. Scott echoed Jones' concerns about prosecutions of James, Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell and ex-FBI official James Comey.

"Like all Americans, Senator Lucas has a right to due process and a presumption of innocence," Scott said.

Virginia House Speaker Don Scott Jr., a top Lucas ally and fellow Portsmouth lawmaker, expressed outrage and blamed the White House.

"Let’s start with this: Senator L. Louise Lucas has not been charged with anything! I am deeply concerned by today’s FBI raid," he said.

"Given the politicization of this administration — an FBI led by Kash Patel and a Justice Department run by President Donald Trump’s former personal attorney — I think people should take this with a grain of salt and allow the facts to come out before jumping to conclusions," Scott said. He criticized theatrics, speculation and Fox News reporting.

Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Mount Vernon and Lucas' deputy in Richmond, issued a statement blasting Trump. He claimed Trump aimed to target Virginia for voting for Kamala Harris in 2024.

"Senator L. Louise Lucas is an outspoken and historic figure in Virginia politics and has not been charged with a single crime," Surovell said. The Fairfax County attorney accused Trump of obliterating Justice Department independence, removing ex-U.S. Attorney for Western Virginia Todd Gilbert and purging prosecutors' offices.

"Every Virginian should be very worried about the rule of law and how it will be applied in this Country and our Commonwealth," Surovell said.

Lucas responded in a statement obtained by Richmond conservative radio host John Reid, the 2024 GOP lieutenant gubernatorial nominee.

"Today’s actions by Federal agents are about far more than one state senator; they are about power and who is allowed to act on behalf of the people. What we saw fits a clear pattern from this administration: when challenged, they try to intimidate and silence the voices who stand up to them," Lucas said.

"I was proud to help lead [the redistricting] effort and I have never been afraid to stand up to Donald Trump or anyone else that has tried to undermine our democracy," she said. Lucas vowed to keep fighting for Portsmouth.

Reid replied on social media: "LOL, sure Louise. Everyone knows you’re as honest and pure-hearted as the day is long." He called blaming Trump the best play for believers in Trump Derangement Syndrome.

The FBI has released no further information on charges against Lucas, who was not detained.