PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Federal Bureau of Investigation agents raided the office of Virginia State Senate President Pro-Tem L. Louise Lucas on Wednesday, along with a marijuana dispensary next door that sources say is connected to the powerful Democratic lawmaker. The operation, which targeted 10 locations associated with Lucas, is part of a court-authorized probe into alleged corruption and illegal marijuana sales, according to federal law enforcement sources familiar with the matter.
The raids come amid heightened scrutiny of Lucas, a longtime fixture in Virginia politics known for her influential role in the state Senate and her alliance with Democratic leaders, including Gov. Abigail Spanberger. Lucas, a Democrat from Portsmouth, has been a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, and her past social media posts emphasizing that "no one is above the law" have resurfaced in the wake of the investigation, drawing pointed commentary from conservatives.
In a 2023 post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Lucas wrote about Trump, "Donald Trump just learned no one is above the law!" The statement, made in the context of Trump's legal challenges, quickly became fodder for online critics following news of the raids. Popular conservative account Libs of TikTok reposted it with the caption, "Louise Lucas just learned no one is above the law!"
Caroline Wren, a political operative and former fundraiser for Trump, highlighted another of Lucas's posts from 2022, in which the senator expressed enthusiasm for FBI actions at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate. "I want to see voters showing the kind of overwhelming numbers at the polls that the FBI showed today at Mar a Lago!" Lucas had written. Wren commented, "This aged well."
The federal investigation into Lucas reportedly began during the Biden administration, a detail emphasized by a law enforcement source to counter suggestions of political motivation under the incoming Trump administration. Agents executed search warrants at Lucas's Portsmouth office and the adjacent dispensary, which she co-owns, as well as eight other sites linked to her. The probe focuses on potential corruption tied to illegal marijuana distribution, though specifics remain under seal.
Lucas, 79, has served in the Virginia Senate since 1992 and rose to become president pro tempore in 2020, wielding significant influence over legislative priorities, including a controversial redistricting map passed last year that favors Democrats in 10 of the state's 11 congressional districts. That map inspired Lucas's now-infamous slogan, "Ten f----- one," a phrase that has also been repurposed by detractors in light of the raids.
Former Virginia Delegate Nick Freitas, a Republican, posted on X, "@SenLouiseLucas: ‘10 to f-ing 1’ FBI: ‘How about 10 to f-ing life.’" Arlington County GOP Chair Matthew Hurtt added, "Louise Lucas asked [a] Fox News reporter where else the FBI was raiding. Apparently, 10 locations. There’s a TEN F*CKIN’ ONE joke in there somewhere." Talk radio host Erick Erickson predicted limited support for Lucas, writing, "no wagons will be circled for Louise Lucas because the VA Dems have known for a while."
Not all reactions were critical. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, who shares the senator's last name but no relation, defended her on X, stating, "They need to leave Louise Lucas alone." Virginia House Speaker Don Scott, a fellow Democrat, issued a statement expressing concern over the raid. "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 a conclusion," Scott wrote.
Republican Delegate Tim Anderson, who faced a defamation lawsuit from Lucas that was ultimately dismissed, took a measured tone. "What they have or don't have on Senator Lucas will be something for the courts to work through if the DOJ initiates criminal charges," Anderson posted on X.
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones, a Democrat who has navigated his own controversies, including scrutiny over past text messages, urged caution. In a statement, Jones said, "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."
Gov. Spanberger's office acknowledged the operation but declined further comment. A spokesperson told reporters, "the governor is aware of today’s law enforcement operation in Portsmouth." They added, "in the absence of additional details, the governor will not be commenting on a federal investigation at this time."
The raids occurred against a backdrop of shifting political winds in Virginia, where Democrats hold slim majorities in the state legislature but face potential challenges from a Republican-controlled U.S. Congress under President-elect Trump. Lucas's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment from multiple outlets, including Fox News Digital.
Peter Pinedo, a politics writer covering the story, noted the irony in how Lucas's pointed rhetoric against Trump has been turned back on her. The senator's social media presence, often featuring strong language and unfiltered opinions, has long polarized observers. Her support for progressive policies, including marijuana legalization efforts in Virginia, adds layers to the corruption allegations, as the state has moved toward broader cannabis reforms since 2021.
Legal experts familiar with federal probes in Virginia suggest that such multi-location raids indicate a serious investigation, potentially involving wiretaps or informant tips gathered over months. However, without unsealed indictments, details remain speculative. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, which oversees the case, has not issued a statement.
As the dust settles from Wednesday's operations, the incident underscores tensions in Virginia's political landscape, where investigations can quickly become partisan flashpoints. With Trump set to take office in January, questions linger about whether the probe's origins under Biden will shield it from accusations of retribution. For now, Lucas remains in her leadership role, but the raids could reshape her influence in Richmond and beyond.
The broader implications for Virginia Democrats are unclear, especially as the party grapples with internal divisions and upcoming legislative sessions. Observers will watch closely for any charges or further developments, which could ripple through the state's congressional remap and beyond.