Rep. Todd Akin's office said it was deeply disturbed by comments made by Karl Rove this morning implying he might murder the controversial Missouri lawmaker.

Rove, who previously expressed displeasure with the Senate candidate in the aftermath of his incendiary "legitimate rape" remarks, told attendees at a Tampa Club breakfast for top Republican party donors "we should sink Todd Akin."

He added: "If he's found mysteriously murdered, don't look for my whereabouts!"

NPR's Two-Way blog suggests Rove was unaware a reporter for Bloomberg's BusinessWeek was in the crowd when he made the comments.

The FBI and Capitol Police last week said they were investigating rape and death threats made against Rep. Akin, his family, and members of his staff.

[photos via AP]