A man wielding a meat cleaver was shot by police in New York City after officers said he stabbed four young girls inside a home on Sunday morning. The New York City Police Department (NYPD) responded to a “heartbreaking” 911 call at a residence in the Bensonhurst neighborhood of southern Brooklyn around 10:30 a.m. following reports of an ongoing assault.
According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, one of the victims, an 11-year-old girl, called 911 and reported that she and her siblings had been stabbed by their uncle. “The 11-year-old 911 caller, who herself was a victim, hid in a room to call the police, and a young, uninjured boy ran to alert a neighbor,” Tisch explained during a press conference.
When officers arrived at the scene, they heard the children screaming inside and immediately forced their way into the home. Upon entering, they encountered a man standing near the entrance holding a large, blood-covered meat cleaver. Blood was visible on the floor and walls of the home, Tisch said.
Officers repeatedly ordered the man to drop the weapon, but he refused and lunged at them. In response, the officers opened fire, striking the man and neutralizing the threat.
Two knives were recovered from the scene: the large cleaver the man was holding and another blood-covered knife found in a separate room. Four young girls, aged 16, 13, 11, and 8, were found inside the apartment with serious slash and stab wounds. Tisch confirmed that all four children are expected to survive, crediting the officers and EMS for their swift and decisive actions. “Their fast, decisive action pinpointing the location and taking down the door absolutely saved the lives of these young girls,” she said.
The suspect was identified as 49-year-old Long Chen, who is believed to be a relative of the victims. He is currently in critical condition. Investigators are still determining his exact relationship to the children and the motive behind the attack. Family members told authorities that Chen had a history of mental illness but that there were no prior domestic violence incidents at the home.
NYPD Chief of Department John Chell emphasized the bravery of the children, particularly the 11-year-old who called 911 and the young boy who alerted a neighbor. “We know there were five children, four hurt and a young man who so bravely went to the neighbors to alert them to call us, and also that 11-year-old who went to that room and made that call—quite, quite heroic on their behalf,” Chell said.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and officials have promised to provide updates as more information becomes available.
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