On Tuesday, December 10, 2019, a shotgun was discovered near the body of former Clinton aide Mark Middleton in a wooded area of Fairfax County, Virginia. Middleton, who was a longtime friend and adviser to former President Bill Clinton, was found dead at the age of 54.

The Fairfax County Police Department has launched an investigation into Middleton’s death, but they have not yet determined whether it was a homicide or suicide. The police have not released any details about the shotgun that was discovered near Middleton’s body.

Middleton had a long career in politics, including working as a senior adviser to President Clinton from 1995 to 1998. He was also a top fundraiser for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign in 2008.

Middleton’s death has been met with shock and sadness by many who knew him. President Clinton released a statement expressing his grief and saying that Middleton was “a wonderful person, loyal friend, and a great American.”

The Fairfax County Police Department is asking anyone with information about Middleton’s death to come forward. They are also asking anyone who may have seen Middleton in the days leading up to his death to contact them.

The police are hoping to gain more information about the circumstances surrounding Middleton’s death, as well as the shotgun that was discovered near his body. Until then, the investigation into Middleton’s death will remain open.