Wife of NFL Coach Called 911 Herself After Being Shot by Son

Kansas City Chiefs coach Eric Bieniemy has stepped away from training camp after a horrifying family shooting left his wife hospitalized and their 27-year-old son behind bars.

New details are now emerging about the terrifying scene inside the Bieniemy family’s Virginia home, where Mia Bieniemy allegedly called 911 herself after being shot twice by her son, Elijah Zion Bieniemy.

Authorities said deputies responded Sunday evening to a shooting at the family’s home in Ashburn, Virginia. According to NBC Washington, Mia was shot in the left forearm and shoulder, with one bullet reportedly traveling across her chest. She underwent surgery and remains hospitalized in stable condition, though the outlet reported that bullet fragments remain inside her body.

Disturbing video from the neighborhood showed armed officers forcing their way into the Bieniemy home as the emergency unfolded. Moments later, three officers were seen carrying an injured woman out of the house.

Neighbors told local outlets they heard screaming around the time of the gunfire. Some also said Elijah had always seemed quiet and was not someone they associated with trouble.

Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman told WJLA that Mia was the one who made the desperate emergency call.

“She had called in — the mother, who we know — had called in the shooting, and it was involving the son, so that’s where we’re at right now,” Chapman said.

The sheriff emphasized that investigators are still working to determine exactly what led up to the violence.

“We have to go through an entire investigation to find out exactly where everybody was, what everybody did, what prompted it, how it all transpired, but we’re investigating right now,” he said.

Elijah Bieniemy was arrested after the shooting and is being held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center. He has been charged with malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and discharge of a firearm inside a dwelling, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.

Video obtained by Fox 5 DC showed Elijah in handcuffs standing near a Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office squad car after the incident.

Officials have not said what they believe triggered the shooting. Elijah is not believed to have had prior encounters with law enforcement, according to reports.

The family tragedy has shaken the Chiefs organization just as Bieniemy had returned to Kansas City this offseason, a move that thrilled many players and fans after his previous championship run with the franchise.

Bieniemy coached with the Chiefs from 2013 to 2022, serving first as running backs coach before becoming offensive coordinator. He was part of the team’s rise into an NFL powerhouse before leaving for other coaching opportunities, including a stint as assistant head coach and offensive coordinator with the Washington Commanders under Ron Rivera.

That job is what reportedly led the Bieniemy family to establish a home in Loudoun County, Virginia.

Bieniemy later worked with the Chicago Bears before returning to Kansas City, where his comeback was met with excitement. Chiefs star Travis Kelce praised him on the “New Heights” podcast, calling him “one of my favorite coaches of all time” and crediting him with major moments of growth in his career.

Now, instead of focusing on football, Bieniemy is with his family as his wife recovers from the shocking shooting.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed the situation Monday, offering an emotional message of support.

“Our hearts go out to Eric Bieniemy and his family,” Reid said. “Thoughts and prayers are with them. She’s a saint, one of God’s good blessings. But things happen.”

Asked when Bieniemy might return to the team, Reid made clear there was no rush.

“We’ll just see how things go,” Reid said. “Real life, you take care of that.”

For now, the Chiefs are moving forward at training camp while one of their most respected coaches deals with a deeply personal nightmare far from the football field.