(The Hill) — Former U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Jessica Aber was found dead on Saturday morning at the age of 43.
According to the Alexandria Police Department (APD), the cause and circumstances of Aber’s death are being looked into and will be determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia.
A statement issued by the APD further said that they received a report of an unresponsive woman and rushed to the 900 block of Beverley Drive at around 9:18 a.m. where Aber’s body was found.
Aber started her role at the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) as an assistant U.S. attorney in 2009. From 2015 to 2016, she held a detailed position as counsel to the assistant attorney general for the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division. Following that, she took on the role of deputy chief of the criminal division at EDVA.
In 2021, Aber was nominated by former President Joe Biden for the position of U.S. attorney and received unanimous confirmation from the Senate. She stepped down in January when President Donald Trump took office.
U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia, speaks with reporters during a news conference at the Department of Justice, Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, in Washington, as Attorney General Merrick Garland, left, and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, look on. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a statement Saturday regarding Aber’s death.
“The loss of Jessica Aber, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, is deeply tragic. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this profoundly difficult time,” she said.
In a post on the social platform X, Attorney General of Virginia Jason Miyares also paid tribute to Aber.
“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Jessica Aber, whose career of public service included US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia and whose work with Ceasefire Virginia saved more lives than we may ever realize,” he wrote.
