A man attacked four girls with a meat cleaver in a Brooklyn home on Sunday morning, April 7, 2025. The police responded quickly after one of the injured children called 911, leading to the man’s shooting by officers at the scene.
- Man attacked four girls with a cleaver
- Girls aged 8, 11, 13, and 16 injured
- Attacker Longqian Chen in critical condition
- 11-year-old girl called 911 for help
- Police praised for quick response actions
- Chen had a history of mental illness
The girls, aged 8, 11, 13, and 16, sustained serious injuries but are expected to survive. The attacker, identified as Longqian Chen, 49, was taken to a hospital in critical condition. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch praised the actions of the girls and responding officers for potentially saving lives.
The incident occurred in Bensonhurst when the police received a distress call from an 11-year-old girl who hid in another room during the attack. Officers arrived swiftly and forced entry into the locked home to reach the victims. Commissioner Tisch highlighted that their quick response was crucial in preventing further harm.
The four girls suffered slash and stab wounds but are currently stable and recovering. Their ages are as follows:
- 8 years old
- 11 years old
- 13 years old
- 16 years old
Longqian Chen is believed to have been alone with the girls and a boy at the time of the attack. While it remains unclear how he is related to them or his motive for the assault, family members indicated that he has struggled with mental health issues previously. No prior domestic violence reports were filed regarding this household.
This violent episode underscores ongoing concerns about domestic safety and mental health awareness within families. Authorities continue to investigate Chen’s background while ensuring support for the young victims as they recover from this traumatic experience.
