Man Kills Four Relatives, Including Two Children, in New York City Knife Attack

NEW YORK (AP) — In a horrifying incident that unfolded early Sunday morning, a man brutally murdered four of his relatives, including two innocent children, in a knife attack at their residence in Far Rockaway, a seaside section of Queens, New York City. The assailant then proceeded to set the building on fire before engaging in a violent confrontation with two police officers, both of whom he managed to injure. However, one of the officers ultimately shot and killed the attacker, putting an end to the rampage.

911 Call Alerts Police to Grisly Scene

The tragedy began to unfold at approximately 5:10 a.m. when the New York Police Department (NYPD) received a distressing call from a “young female caller” who informed them that her cousin was in the process of killing her family. NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey provided this information during a morning news briefing.

Brave Officers Confront the Attacker

Upon arrival at the scene, the police officers spotted a man attempting to leave the area with luggage. Within moments, the suspect brandished a knife and launched a frenzied attack on the officers. One officer sustained stab wounds to his neck and chest, while the other was slashed on the head. In order to protect their own lives and those of others, one of the officers discharged their weapon, fatally striking the assailant.

Grim Discovery Inside the House

Due to a raging fire that had engulfed the living room and foyer, the police initially encountered difficulties entering the residence. However, they eventually gained access and discovered three more victims who had suffered fatal stab wounds. The deceased include a 12-year-old boy, a 44-year-old woman, and a man in his 30s. Tragically, an 11-year-old girl was found outside the house and was rushed to the hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.

Survivors Grapple with Severe Injuries

Another woman, aged 61, sustained grave injuries during the attack and is currently in critical condition, fighting for her life as a result of multiple stab wounds. However, the two injured police officers are expected to recover from their wounds, offering a glimmer of hope amidst this horrific incident.

Unanswered Questions Surround the Tragedy

Neighbours of the affected family were not available for immediate comment, leaving the community shocked and grappling with the aftermath of this senseless act of violence. The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Courtney Gordon, had been visiting the family from his residence in the Bronx. The identities of the victims have not yet been disclosed.

Police Union Praises Officer’s Heroic Actions

At a media briefing, Patrick Hendry, the head of the New York Police Department’s police union, described the scene as chaotic, with multiple victims, a burning house, and a deranged assailant on a rampage. Hendry commended the officer’s exceptional skill in neutralizing the threat, emphasizing the officer’s ability to stop the attacker even after sustaining stab wounds, which he deemed as “unbelievable skill.”

A Disturbing Trend in Knife Attacks

This tragic incident comes just a week after another devastating knife attack in the Bronx, where a college student, who claimed to be “hearing voices,” killed his father, his 5-year-old half-brother, and the child’s mother. As the city grapples with these disturbing incidents, questions arise about mental health support, crime prevention, and ensuring the safety of communities.