A state senator from Virginia was stabbed and critically wounded Tuesday morning by his son, who then fatally shot himself, authorities and sources said.
Sen. Creigh Deeds, a Democrat who once ran for governor, was flown to a hospital from his home in rural Bath County, about 25 miles west of Charlottesville, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported.
Austin “Gus” Deeds, 24, fatally shot himself after attacking his father, sources told Richmond’s WRC TV.
What led to the violence was unclear, authorities said.
State Police said troopers arrived at Deeds’ residence around 7:25 a.m. and remain on scene.
Corinne Geller, spokeswoman for the Virginia State Police, said troopers responded to an early morning 911 call to Deeds’ home in Millsboro where they found Deeds’ son alive but suffering gunshot wounds. He died at the scene, Geller said.
WSLS-TV reported that Deeds walked away from the home after being stabbed.
Deeds, 55, was then flown to the University of Virginia Medical Center and was listed in critical condition with stab wounds to his head and torso.
Deeds, a veteran legislator, unsuccessfully ran for attorney general in 2005 and governor in 2009.
Virginia pols were chocked at the news.
“The news from this morning is utterly heartbreaking,” said Gov. Bob McDonnell. “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.”
Gov.-elect Terry McAuliffe, whom Deeds defeated in the Democratic primary in 2009, called it “a truly sad day for Virginia and for the many people who know Creigh as the fine public servant and friend he is.”