Virginia Senate President Pro Tempore L. Louise Lucas said she is “not backing down” after federal agents searched her district office in Portsmouth under a court-authorized federal warrant.
Lucas, a Democratic state senator from Portsmouth, said in a statement that the actions by federal agents were “about far more than one state senator.”
“They are about power and who is allowed to use it on behalf of the people,” Lucas said.
The FBI executed the search warrant Wednesday in Portsmouth, where agents searched Lucas’ district office, according to Fox News reporter Bill Melugin, who posted the report on X. Melugin said federal law enforcement sources described the matter as a major corruption probe.
Virginia Times previously reported, citing an Associated Press report and a person familiar with the matter, that the search was connected to a corruption investigation.
Lucas said the search fit what she called a pattern by the Trump administration when challenged.
“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.
Lucas also referred to a recent Virginia vote, saying voters had sent “a powerful message” against what she called Trump’s scheme to manipulate the 2026 midterm elections. She said she was proud to help lead that effort.
“I have never been afraid to stand up to Donald Trump or anyone else that has tried to undermine our democracy,” Lucas said.
Lucas thanked family, friends, colleagues and constituents who she said had reached out in recent hours.
“I will have more to say in the days ahead,” Lucas said in the statement. “I am not backing down, and I will keep fighting for the people of Portsmouth and the Commonwealth of Virginia.”
Don Scott, a Democrat and Virginia House speaker, urged caution after the search, saying Lucas “has not been charged with anything” and that the public should allow the facts to come out before drawing conclusions.
Scott also questioned how Fox News was first on the scene and said Virginians deserve more information about what the search was actually about.
A global media for the latest news, entertainment, music fashion, and more.
