During a press briefing at the Department of Justice on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia was joined by Attorney General Merrick Garland and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas in addressing the media.
Tragically, former U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber was found deceased on Saturday morning in Alexandria, as confirmed by the police. She was just 43 years old.
Law enforcement officials responded to a call about an unresponsive woman at approximately 9:20 a.m., according to a statement from the Alexandria Police Department. As of now, authorities have not declared if there is anything suspicious about her passing. The medical examiner’s office is expected to provide further details on the cause and manner of her death.
The police have assured that an investigation is currently in progress to fully understand the circumstances leading to her death.
Aber stepped down from her role as U.S. attorney on January 20, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s inauguration. She was later appointed by President Joe Biden on August 10, 2021, and her appointment was subsequently confirmed by the Senate.
A dedicated part of the legal community since 2009, Aber served as an assistant U.S. attorney and held the position of deputy chief of the criminal division before ascending to her role as U.S. attorney, as noted in her department’s biography.
It’s important to note that U.S. attorneys are political appointees and can be replaced at the discretion of the president. In February, Trump mentioned on Truth Social that he ordered the termination of all remaining U.S. attorneys appointed under Biden.
Erik S. Siebert, the current U.S. attorney for the district, expressed profound sorrow on behalf of the office, stating, “Jessica was an exemplary leader, mentor, and prosecutor, and her absence as a cherished individual is deeply felt.”
He poignantly added, “She had a deep love for EDVA, and the feeling was mutual.”
Adding to the expressions of sympathy, U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi conveyed her condolences, stating, “The tragic loss of Jessica Aber, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, is felt deeply.”
“Our thoughts and prayers reach out to her family and friends during this incredibly challenging time,” Bondi shared in her remarks.
