Girls Slashed in Meat Cleaver Assault

Brutal Attack in Brooklyn: Four Girls Injured in Meat Cleaver Assault

By Sharnellia Bennett-Smith

Bensonhurst, Brooklyn — A horrific act of violence shocked a quiet Brooklyn neighborhood on Sunday when 49-year-old Longqian Chen attacked four young girls with a meat cleaver inside a residence on 84th Street in Bensonhurst.

Authorities reported that the girls,—aged 8, 11, 13, and 16—sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Thanks to the quick thinking of the 11-year-old, who managed to lock herself in a room and dial 911, emergency services were alerted in time to intervene.

"My uncle is stabbing us," the child reportedly told the dispatcher, her bravery likely saving her own life and the lives of her siblings.

When NYPD officers arrived at the scene, they were led into the apartment by another uninjured child. Inside, they encountered Chen still holding a bloodied meat cleaver. Despite commands to drop the weapon, Chen advanced toward the officers, prompting them to discharge their weapons. He was shot multiple times and remains in critical condition.

Chen, who family members say has a history of mental illness, is currently under police supervision in the hospital. The motive for the attack remains under investigation.

Neighbors expressed horror at the incident, describing the scene as chaotic and traumatic. The community has rallied in support of the young victims, with local organizations already mobilizing resources to assist the affected family.

The case has reignited conversations around mental health support, child protection, and the urgent need for intervention systems that can prevent such tragedies.

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, and charges against Chen are expected to be formally filed in the coming days.