Abigail Spanberger Subpoenaed in Defamation Lawsuit

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA — Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic nominee for governor of Virginia, has been called to testify in a defamation lawsuit. The suit stems from claims made by Democratic operatives asserting that her congressional reelection campaign drafted a 2022 press release from the Democratic Party of Virginia, which accused a Republican of “bloodied and beating law enforcement officers” during the January 6, 2021, insurrection.

Background on the Lawsuit

Thomas Speciale, a retired Army intelligence officer and former Republican U.S. Senate candidate, appeared in court recently to defend a series of 350 questions he filed for Spanberger to answer under oath. The questions were a response to accusations made against him in the lawsuit against the Democratic Party of Virginia, alleging he was falsely accused of engaging in violence.

Arguments Presented in Court

Attorney Jeffery Breit, representing the Democratic Party of Virginia, objected to many of Speciale’s questions, claiming they were irrelevant. He also highlighted a press release that warned Spanberger might face harassment if certain details were made public.

Speciale’s Defense

Speciale argued that his questions were essential to demonstrating that Spanberger’s campaign knowingly participated in defaming him. He emphasized the gravity of the accusations in the press release, which characterized him as a “notable insurrectionist who attacked the United States Capitol.” Speciale asserted that the truth is quite the opposite; he claims to have been alerting the government to possible violence on January 6.

The Press Release Controversy

The contentious press release was published by the Democratic Party of Virginia on November 3, 2022, just five days before the midterm elections, where Republican Yesli Vega challenged Spanberger for her congressional seat. While the Democratic Party has since removed the press release, it remains accessible through the Internet Archive.

Depositions and Evidence

Newly acquired court documents indicate that former officials from the Democratic Party of Virginia and the Spanberger campaign have confirmed that her campaign crafted the disputed press release. Justin Chermol, then the press secretary for Spanberger’s 2022 campaign, admitted in a deposition that the campaign drafted and approved the press release sent to the Democratic Party.

Future Legal Proceedings

Speciale attempted to depose Spanberger herself, but her legal team provided an affidavit claiming she was unaware of the press release’s details. A judge has permitted Speciale to submit written questions for her response. Meanwhile, the Richmond City Circuit Court has set the trial for this case from April 13 to 16, 2026. As both parties prepare for the upcoming trial, neither the Democratic Party of Virginia nor Spanberger’s campaign has commented on the ongoing legal challenges.

Conclusion

The unfolding legal battle involving Spanberger highlights significant issues surrounding defamation and political accountability. As the governor’s race progresses, the implications of this case may resonate throughout Virginia’s political landscape, especially as it touches on critical issues of truth and transparency in campaign communications.