By The Epoch Times | Created at 2026-07-27 19:52:02 | Updated at 2026-07-27 21:21:32
1 hour ago
Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy watches from the sidelines during an NFL football game in Philadelphia on Oct. 1, 2023. AP Photo/Matt Rourke
The son of Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy was arrested and charged in the shooting of his mother, Mia Bieniemy, at the couple’s Virginia home, authorities said on July 27.
Elijah Zion Bieniemy, 27, of Ashburn, Virginia, was arrested on Monday and was being held without bond at a Loudoun County detention center. He was charged with malicious wounding, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and discharge of a firearm inside of a dwelling, according to the sheriff’s office.
Sheriff’s deputies responded just after 7:30 p.m. Sunday night to a report of a shooting at a home in Ashburn, where the Bieniemys still maintain a home from his time coaching the Washington Commanders.
When deputies arrived, they found a woman suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, the sheriff’s office reported. Authorities haven’t named the female shooting victim.
“The investigation is ongoing, and there is not believed to be any threat to the public,” the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office stated in a press release.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed the shooting during a press conference on Sunday night and said that Mia Bieniemy, 57, was hospitalized and was in stable condition following the incident.
“Our hearts go out to Eric Bieniemy and his family,” Reid told reporters. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them. I can’t get into details on it, but things happen sometimes. Eric will work through it. He has a great support group here, as does his family, as needed. And, we’ll just let time take care of it from there. But, Mia is stable, which is a plus. So is Eric, Jr. That’s all that’s important.”
Eric Bieniemy returned to the team in 2026 after coaching stints with the Washington Commanders, UCLA, and the Chicago Bears. He returned to the Chiefs this season to replace Matt Nagy as the offensive coordinator.
He was with the Chiefs in Missouri earlier on Sunday for the team’s training camp, but left. He was not present at Monday’s workout involving rookies, quarterbacks, and a few veterans, according to the NFL.
Reid said he didn’t know how long Bieniemy would be away from the team. The Chiefs are off Tuesday, with the first full-squad workout at Missouri Western State University scheduled for Wednesday. Pass game coordinator Joe Bleymaier and offensive line coach Andy Heck are expected to take over his offensive coordinator duties as the Chiefs continue with training camp.
A booking photo of Elijah Zion Bieniemy released by the Loudoun County, Va., Sheriff's Office on July 27, 2026. Loudoun County Sheriff's Office via AP
“We’ll be able to keep it moving here, but the most important thing is EB has an opportunity to spend some time there and take care of that business,” Reid said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
