Police Shoot Man Who Stabbed Four Children in Brooklyn Home

BENSONHURST, Brooklyn — A man was shot by police after allegedly stabbing four young girls inside a home on Sunday morning. The incident unfolded around 10:30 a.m. when an 11-year-old girl managed to call 911, reporting that her uncle had attacked her and her siblings.

According to the New York City Police Department (NYPD), the 911 call described a frantic scene at their home, prompting immediate police response to the location on 84th Street. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch held a press conference addressing the stabbing, describing the call as ‘heartbreaking’.

‘The 11-year-old, who was among the victims, hid in a room to make the call while another young boy, unharmed, went to alert a neighbor,’ Tisch said. The quick actions of the children are being credited with saving their lives.

Once officers arrived at the scene, they heard the sounds of screaming coming from the apartment. Tisch stated that officers ‘immediately began forcing their way’ into the residence. ‘Once they entered, they encountered a man standing near the entrance holding a large meat cleaver covered in blood,’ she added.

The officers ordered the man to drop the weapon several times; however, he refused and lunged at them, prompting officers to fire a total of seven rounds, striking the suspect. He was transported to the hospital along with the injured children, all of whom are expected to survive their serious injuries.

The suspect was identified as 49-year-old Longqian Chen. While the exact relationship to the victims is still under investigation, he is believed to be a relative. Investigators noted that Chen was in a critical condition following the shooting.

Inside the apartment, police discovered the girls, aged 8 to 16, suffering from stab and slash wounds. ‘Thank God all four children are expected to survive,’ Tisch expressed relief, emphasizing the timely response from emergency services. Reports indicate that the children’s mother was not home during the attack.

Two knives were recovered at the scene, including a large meat cleaver that Chen was wielding during the incident and another knife found in a separate room. Authorities are currently investigating the motive behind the attack but confirmed there had been no prior domestic violence incidents reported at the home.

John Chell, NYPD Chief of Department, remarked on the chaotic situation, saying, ‘The motive behind this horrific attack is still under investigation, and we will provide more information as it becomes available.’ He highlighted the bravery of the children, particularly the 11-year-old who made the emergency call.

The incident has shocked the local community, with New York State Senator Steven Chan stating, ‘Everyone is devastated and saddened by the events that unfolded here this morning.’

The police-involved shooting was captured on body-worn camera video, which will be reviewed as part of the investigation. Authorities continue to gather details regarding the suspect’s past, including reports of mental illness.

The NYPD have affirmed their commitment to determining the circumstances surrounding the attack, ensuring that the victims and their families receive the support needed following this tragic event.