State Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath, is in critical condition after being stabbed at his home in Millboro, and his son, Gus, 24, is dead from a gunshot wound, according to multiple media reports Tuesday morning.
Details about what happened at the Deeds home are still not known.
Sen. Deeds has represented the 25th Senate District, which stretches from bath county to Charlottesville, since 2001. He twice ran for statewide office, in 2005 for attorney general and 2009 for governor, losing both races to Republican Bob McDonnell.
Deeds was a member of the House of Delegates representing a district covering Bath, Highland and portions of Augusta County from 1991-2001. He won his first legislative race in 1991, defeating Republican Emmett Hanger, who is now a colleague in the state senate.
Updated: 10:20 a.m. Virginia State Police are on the scene of an assault of a state legislator that took place Tuesday morning (Nov. 19). Senator Creigh Deeds has been transported to UVA Hospital in Charlottesville for treatment of serious injuries sustained in the assault at his residence.
At 7:25 a.m., Virginia State Police responded to Senator Deeds’ residence in bath county. Senator Deeds was flown from the scene to UVA Hospital. A second individual at the residence is deceased.
The investigation remains ongoing at this time by the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Salem Field Office.
Updated: 11:13 a.m. Virginia Gov.-elect Terry McAuliffe released the following statement in response to the tragic incident involving Virginia Sen. Creigh Deeds:
“Dorothy and I are praying for Senator Creigh Deeds and his family in the wake of this awful tragedy. This is a truly sad day for Virginia and for the many people who know Creigh as the fine public servant and friend he is. We join people across the Commonwealth and country in wishing him a full recovery.”
Updated 11:15 a.m. Gov. Bob McDonnell issued the following statement this morning following news from Bath County that State Sen. Creigh Deeds has been seriously injured in a morning altercation. Senator Deeds is currently being treated at UVa.
“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.”
Update: 1:25 p.m. Attorney General-elect Mark Herring released the following statement this morning regarding the incident involving Sen. Creigh Deeds:
“I am stunned and deeply saddened by the news regarding my friend and colleague Senator Creigh Deeds and his family. Creigh has always been a fighter and a tireless advocate on behalf of Virginia families and on behalf of our Commonwealth that he loves so dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this extremely difficult time.”
Update 1:34 p.m. Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell released the following statement on Sen. Creigh Deeds:
“Cessie and I would like to extend our sincerest thoughts and prayers to Senator Creigh Deeds and his family. This is a tragic incident and something no one could ever imagine. We are thinking and praying for Creigh at this time.”