Four Young Girls Stabbed by Relative with Meat Cleaver in Brooklyn; Suspect Shot by Police

The Attack: A 49-year-old man, identified as Long Chen and believed to be related to the victims, allegedly attacked four girls (aged 16, 13, 11, and 8) with a meat cleaver and another knife inside their Brooklyn home.

Heroic Actions: An 11-year-old victim managed to call 911 while injured and hiding, while another uninjured child ran to alert a neighbor. Police credited these actions with helping save the girls' lives.

Police Response: NYPD officers arrived quickly, heard screams, forced entry, and encountered the suspect holding a blood-covered meat cleaver. When he refused commands to drop the weapon and advanced, officers shot him.

Victim Status: All four girls sustained serious stab and slash wounds but are expected to survive. The suspect is hospitalized in critical condition.

Suspect Background: Family members indicated the suspect has a history of mental illness, though no prior domestic violence incidents were reported at the home. The motive remains under investigation.

Why this matters: The rapid response by the NYPD, aided by advanced 911 location technology and the bravery of the children involved, was crucial in preventing further tragedy. It underscores the life-saving difference immediate action can make in emergencies.

Q: Who was the attacker?

A: The suspect was identified as Long Chen, 49, believed to be a relative (possibly an uncle) of the victims. He reportedly has a history of mental illness.

Q: How were the police alerted?

A: An 11-year-old girl, despite being injured, bravely called 911 from inside the home. Concurrently, an uninjured boy ran to a neighbor's house for help.

Q: Are the children okay?

A: The four girls, aged 8 to 16, suffered serious injuries but are expected to survive, thanks to the quick response of police and EMS.

Community Safety: This shocking event serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence, even within families, and the importance of community awareness and support systems.

Emergency Preparedness: Knowing how to contact emergency services quickly, even for children, can be life-saving. Teaching children how and when to call 911 is vital.

Mental Health Awareness: While the motive is under investigation, the mention of the suspect's mental health history highlights the need for accessible mental health resources and recognizing potential warning signs.

Who This Affects Most: This incident directly impacts the involved family, the immediate neighbors, and the broader Bensonhurst community, raising concerns about safety and support for victims of violence.

Source 1: Meat cleaver-wielding man stabs young girls in bloody NYC attack as 11-year-old calls 911: police target="_blank"

Source 2: Police shoot man suspected of stabbing 4 girls at Brooklyn home - Newsday target="_blank" (Note: Specific article URL not provided in input)

Source 3: Bensonhurst crime: 4 children stabbed by meat-cleaver-wielding man... - ABC7 New York target="_blank" (Note: Specific article URL not provided in input)