Elijah Bieniemy, the son of Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, has been arrested and faces charges related to the shooting of his mother, Mia Bieniemy, in Ashburn, Virginia. Mia sustained several gunshot wounds but is currently stable.
Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid voiced support for the Bieniemy family during this difficult time. The incident happened on July 26, prompting Eric Bieniemy to temporarily leave the Chiefs to be with his wife and family. Elijah, 27, was apprehended in connection with the shooting.
Eric Bieniemy returned to Kansas City shortly before the team’s preseason match against the Los Angeles Rams. He suggested his wife’s encouragement played a role in his return, joking that he was “driving her and the family crazy” during her recovery.
In his first public statement since the shooting on Tuesday, Eric Bieniemy expressed relief at his wife’s recovery. He said, “First and foremost, yes, she’s on a great road to recovery. Yes, she’s doing great.”
“It is one of the main reasons that I am back here, because of her recovery. She’s truly a soldier and it’s been incredible to watch.” — Eric Bieniemy
During this period, Bieniemy remained actively engaged with the Chiefs while at home in Virginia. Despite the distance, he watched team practices online and participated in meetings remotely.
Elijah Bieniemy will undergo a mental-health competency evaluation before his court hearing. He is charged with malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and discharge of a firearm inside a dwelling.
Eric Bieniemy conveyed gratitude for the support his family received from the Chiefs. “I’d like to say thank you to the Hunt family, the entire Chiefs family for the outpouring of love and support,” he said. “We’re back to football now.”
Throughout his tenure, Eric Bieniemy has been integral to the Chiefs’ success, contributing to their three Super Bowl appearances and two victories. Following a brief tenure with the Commanders and a season with UCLA, he returned to the Chiefs to succeed Matt Nagy.
Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton remarked on Bieniemy’s return, “Obviously, it’s great to have him back. We missed him and prayed for his family when he was out.”