Brooklyn, NY — A shocking incident unfolded on Sunday morning in a quiet Brooklyn neighborhood when four young sisters were brutally attacked in their home by a man wielding a meat cleaver. The assailant, identified as 49-year-old Longqian Chen, reportedly related to the victims, was subsequently shot and critically wounded by responding officers after he advanced towards them with the weapon.
The victims, aged 8, 11, 13, and 16, suffered serious injuries but are currently stable and expected to survive. The bravery of the 11-year-old, who hid from the attacker and dialed 911, was crucial in bringing the police to the scene promptly, potentially saving the lives of her siblings and herself.
Upon arrival, officers encountered a grisly scene with Chen holding the bloodied cleaver. Despite commands to drop the weapon, Chen moved aggressively towards the officers, prompting them to discharge their weapons a total of seven times to subdue him. He was then transported to a local hospital where he remains in a critical condition.
The motive for this heinous assault remains under investigation, with authorities considering a possible history of mental illness as a contributing factor. This incident has sparked a broader discussion about mental health resources in the community, particularly in Bensonhurst, a predominantly Asian American neighborhood known for its close-knit community ties.
Local police have not found any previous reports of domestic violence at the residence, deepening the mystery behind Chen’s violent outbreak. The immediate and effective response of the NYPD and emergency services was commended by city officials, highlighting the importance of rapid intervention in such critical situations.
The impact of the attack has deeply affected the local community, with neighbors expressing shock and concern. One neighbor described the chaos of the scene, noting the distressing sight of the injured children outside their home, highlighting the traumatic impact on the community.
Following the incident, there has been a outpouring of support for the victims and calls for increased mental health support in the area. City officials and community leaders are now faced with addressing the dual challenge of recovering from the trauma of the incident and addressing the broader issue of mental health care accessibility.
This tragic event underscores the critical need for robust mental health services and the importance of community alertness and rapid police response in preventing and mitigating the impact of such violent incidents. As the investigation continues, the community remains hopeful for the recovery of the young victims and the strengthening of safety and health resources in Bensonhurst.