Virginia legislator in critical condition after home assault
Updated 11:26 a.m. ET, 11/19/13
(CNN) - Virginia state Sen. Creigh Deeds was hospitalized for "serious injuries" after an assault Tuesday morning at his house in Bath County, where a second individual was found dead, Virginia state police said.
Deeds was flown to the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, where he remains in critical condition, according to spokesperson Angela Taylor.
Taylor could not provide additional details.
Deeds ran unsuccessfully as the Democratic nominee for governor against Republican Bob McDonnell in 2009 and as the Democratic nominee for Attorney General–also against McDonnell–in 2005. He narrowly lost the latter race in a recount.
McDonnell released a statement calling the news "heartbreaking."
"In this tough and sad time, our thoughts and prayers are with the Deeds family. The news from this morning is utterly heartbreaking," he said. "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."
Governor-elect Terry McAuliffe, who won this month's gubernatorial contest, also released a statement.
"Dorothy and I are praying for Senator Creigh Deeds and his family in the wake of this awful tragedy," the Democrat said. "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."
Other lawmakers from Virginia reacted on Twitter.
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Get well soon, sir.
Truly tragic. I hope Mr. Deeds pulls out of this. Life hasn't been easy for him lately, and this is just heart-rending. Very sad.
It was a stabbing people. No gun murder here.
The slain man is being reported as Mr. Deed's son. Prayers for the family. I hope the assailant is quickly caught, and that justice is swift. Get well soon, Senator.
Local news agencies are reporting that the deceased is his son.
The local report is that it is a domestic violence incident. He was stabbed by his son who then committed suicide.
"Virginia State Senator and former gubernatorial-hopeful Creigh Deeds was reportedly stabbed by his son, who then shot and killed himself." Taken from a local news source.
His son Gus was the other thats been found deceased of a gunshot wound.
I hope he recovers, such a terrible thing.
Stabbed by his own son. Wonder why.
new york daily news reports his son stabbed him then shot himself....very sad.
I have a feeling that there's a lot more to this story than we have heard so far.
So sad, hope the dead person is the perp.
sounds like his son attacked him and he shot him to survive
Get well sir and I hope the dead one was your assailant ..Nobodies above criminal activities these days even in influential neighbourhoods as his might be..Good luck again and get well soon...
Wishing him a quick and total recovery.
Home invasions are not good. Hope he recovers completely. Meanwhile, CNN is fishes for "offended" atheists with the three tweets posted; let's see what happens...
From what I just read, this is very sad indeed.
My prayers for the family.............they will need the support.
praying for you and your family during this very difficult time. i am so so sorry for your loss. may God give you His comfort.
I am a Republican but wish this senator a speedy recovery.
As the world continue to do down in flames.
Normally, they would give general information like a "break-in" it was someone on the outside. They used "assault". Sounds like something that happened between family in the home. Guess we'll have to wait for the facts. Hope he recovers
so what happened?
Will the best come to this man.
tha's awful....
Even his Republican opponents have respect for Creigh Deeds. He is a good American and great Virginian. We wish him a speedy recovery!