Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has spoken out following the shooting of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy's wife, Mia Bieniemy, by their son. Mia Bieniemy, 57, was hospitalized with serious injuries after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds to her chest and arm on Sunday evening. The couple's adult son, Elijah Zion Bieniemy, 27, was arrested at the scene and faces multiple felony charges, including malicious wounding and firearm offenses. He is being held without bond.
Reid addressed the incident during a media availability session as the Chiefs' training camp commenced. "Our hearts go out to Eric Bieniemy and his family. Thoughts and prayers are with them," Reid stated. He added, "Eric will work through it - he's got a great support group here, as does his family. Just let time take care of it."
When asked further about Mia Bieniemy, Reid described her as "a saint, we all know that. One of God's blessings. But things happen and you've got to work through it." He expressed confidence in the team's support for Bieniemy and his family.
Video footage obtained showed Elijah Bieniemy in handcuffs following his arrest by the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office. A neighbor reported hearing two gunshots and a woman screaming. Reports indicate Mia Bieniemy was shot in the chest and arm.
Eric Bieniemy was with the Chiefs in Missouri for the start of training camp at Missouri Western State University when the incident occurred. He has since departed to be with his wife. "Mia is stable. She's a saint, one of God's good blessings," Reid confirmed on Monday. He noted that there is no set timeline for Bieniemy's return to the team, and Joe Bleymaier, the pass game coordinator, has stepped in to serve as offensive coordinator.
Bieniemy and his wife have two sons. Their eldest son, Eric III, has cerebral palsy and respiratory issues, which led Bieniemy to isolate from his family during the 2021 NFL season due to COVID-19 concerns. Bieniemy previously served with the Chiefs from 2013 to 2022 in roles including running backs coach and offensive coordinator before a stint as assistant head coach and offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders.