UPDATE #2: Read the latest here:
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UPDATE from the Virginia State Police Press Conference:
• Creigh Deeds stabbed multiple times about the head and upper torso.
• Gus Deeds was alive when police arrived but died at the scene.
• Creigh has been able to talk at the hospital.
• Police are not seeking any other suspects.
Original story below.
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Creigh Deeds hugs his son Gus after losing his run for governor in 2009. (Getty)
Virginia state Senator Robert Creigh Deeds has reportedly been stabbed by his son, Austin “Gus” Deeds, who then shot himself.
Police responded at 7:25 a.m. to the family home on 26 Vineyard Drive in Millboro, Virginia.
Here’s what we know about this breaking story.
We’ll bring you rapid updates as they’re available.
1. The Son Is Dead
Austin “Gus” Deeds is reportedly dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A former student at William and Mary, he took time off in 2009 to help with his dad’s failed run for governor.
According to the school, Gus dropped out last month after attending off-and-on since 2007.
On Gus’ Facebook page, he professes his faith in Jesus:
2. Creigh Deeds Is in Critical Condition
Gus is seen behind his father.
Senator Deeds is in critical condition at University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, suffering from a stab wound.
3. The Senator Is a Prominent Democrat & Former Candidate for Governor
Deeds, a 55-year-old Democrat, has been in the state Senate since 2001 and served in the House of Delegates prior to that. He represents Bath County.
Deeds ran for attorney general of Virginia in 2005 and for governor in 2009. Both times he lost to Republican Bob McDonnell, the current governor.
McDonnell released this statement after today’s news:
In this tough and sad time, our thoughts and prayers are with the Deeds family. The news from this morning is utterly heartbreaking. Creigh Deeds is an exceptional and committed public servant who has always done what he believes is best for Virginia and who gives his all to public service. He cares deeply about Virginia, and the people of Virginia care deeply for him. I urge all Virginians today to join me in praying for a full and complete recovery for Creigh and for many more years of his public service to the Commonwealth. At this moment, our state unites in prayer for Creigh Deeds and his family.
4. Gus Was Charged With Underage Drinking During the Run for Governor
In 2009, during Deeds’ run for governor, Austin “Gus” Deeds, then 20, was charged with alcohol possession. The charge was dropped.
PilotOnline reported at the time:
His legal entanglement was unearthed through the research of political operatives. The national organizations of both parties are closely involved in this year’s gubernatorial campaign, which pits Deeds against Republican Bob McDonnell.
Here’s the police document:
5. Deeds Has a Wife, an Ex-Wife & Three Daughters
Creigh Deeds, during his run for governor, hugs his first wife, Pam, after voting November 3, 2009 in Millboro, Virginia. (Getty)
Deeds divorced his longtime wife, Pam, in 2010 and remarried to his second wife, Siobhan, in June 2012. He also has three daughters, Amanda, Rebecca and Susannah.