Mia Bieniemy, wife of Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, was hospitalized with serious injuries after being shot at the family's residence in Ashburn, Virginia, on Sunday night. Authorities have since arrested and charged the couple's son, Elijah Zion Bieniemy, 27, in connection with the incident.
"Our hearts go out to Eric Bieniemy and his family." — Andy Reid, Chiefs Head Coach
Deputies from the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported shooting at a home in the 20000 block of Northpark Drive around 7:32 p.m. Sunday. Upon arrival, officers found Mia Bieniemy, 57, suffering from serious injuries. She was transported to a local hospital, where she was listed in stable condition, according to reports citing sources familiar with the situation. Sources told ESPN that Mia Bieniemy sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to her chest and arm.
Elijah Zion Bieniemy was taken into custody and faces charges of malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and discharging a firearm inside a dwelling. He is currently being held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office has not released further details regarding the events that led to the shooting, and the criminal investigation remains active and ongoing. Officials have stated there is no indication of a continuing threat to the surrounding community.
Property records cited by NBC News confirm that the home where the shooting occurred is owned by Eric and Mia Bieniemy. Neighbors expressed shock and described the family in positive terms, noting that they appeared to have a close relationship and had recently been seen working together outside their home.
At the time of the incident, Eric Bieniemy was with the Kansas City Chiefs at their training camp in St. Joseph, Missouri. He was not present for Monday’s practice following the news. The Chiefs organization acknowledged the family crisis in a statement, emphasizing respect for the family's privacy and declining to provide additional details.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed the situation after Monday’s practice, expressing the team’s support for Bieniemy and his family during this challenging period. "Our hearts go out to Eric Bieniemy and his family," Reid stated, confirming Mia Bieniemy's stable condition and describing her as "one of God's good blessings." Reid indicated there is no set timetable for Bieniemy's return to the team, underscoring that family matters would take precedence.
During Bieniemy’s absence, Chiefs pass game coordinator Joe Bleymaier and offensive line coach Andy Heck are expected to assist with offensive responsibilities, ensuring the team continues its preparations. The organization reiterated its commitment to supporting Bieniemy while he manages the personal situation.
Eric Bieniemy recently returned to the Kansas City Chiefs earlier this year for his second stint as offensive coordinator. He previously held the position from 2018 through 2022, a period during which he played a pivotal role in overseeing one of the NFL’s most successful offenses. During his initial tenure, the Chiefs reached three Super Bowls and secured two championships alongside Head Coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes. After departing Kansas City, Bieniemy served as offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders in 2023 and also had brief roles at UCLA and with the Chicago Bears before his recent return to the Chiefs, as reported by the Associated Press. The ongoing investigation by the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office seeks to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the shooting.
