Trump Accuses Virginia Democratic Candidate of ‘Fighting for’ MS-13

President Trump has accused the Democratic nominee in Virginia’s high-stakes gubernatorial race of “fighting for” the MS-13 street gang. In a tweet Thursday night, Trump lashed out at Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, a U.S. Army veteran and former state senator running against former Republican National Committee Chairman Ed Gillespie to succeed Gov. Terry McAuliffe. “Ralph Northam, who is running for Governor of Virginia, is fighting for the violent MS-13 killer gangs & sanctuary cities. Vote Ed Gillespie!” Trump wrote. He did not attempt to provide evidence of his claim, but his comment seemed to echo allegations made by Gillespie in campaign ads that ran in September. The ads sought to blame Northam for gang violence by attacking his support for sanctuary cities. The race is widely seen as the most important election of the year, with not only congressional seats to be gained but the issues of health care and abortion rights at stake. The vote will be held on Nov. 7.