Tragic Stabbing Rampage Leaves Four Dead, Including Two Children, in New York City

NEW YORK — Early Sunday morning, a horrifying stabbing spree unfolded in the Far Rockaway neighborhood of Queens, New York City, resulting in the deaths of at least four people, including two children aged 11 and 12. The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Courtney Gordon, allegedly went on a rampage, setting fire to a couch inside the residence and attacking two police officers with a kitchen knife before being fatally shot by one of the officers.

The New York Police Department received a distressing 911 call just after 5 a.m. from a young female who reported that her cousin was killing her family members. Two officers, both experienced veterans of the force, were the first to respond to the scene on Beach 22nd Street. They spotted the suspect carrying luggage from the residence and approached him for questioning.

As the officers engaged in conversation with Gordon, he suddenly nodded and launched a vicious attack on them using a typical kitchen knife. One officer suffered slashes to the face and the other sustained a cut to the head. Despite their injuries, one of the officers managed to draw his weapon and fired at the assailant, ending the assault.

The wounded officers, whose identities were not disclosed, were rushed to Jamaica Hospital in Queens, where they received treatment for their non-life-threatening injuries. Meanwhile, additional officers who arrived at the scene discovered an 11-year-old girl outside the front door of the residence, also suffering from stab wounds. Tragically, she was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

Due to a fire that had broken out in the living room, it was initially impossible for the officers to enter the house. Investigators determined that the suspect had set fire to the couch before leaving the premises. The New York City Fire Department promptly arrived and extinguished the flames, allowing officers to access the residence.

Inside the house, authorities discovered three more victims who had been fatally stabbed. Among them was a 12-year-old boy found in one of the back bedrooms. A 61-year-old woman was also found with stab wounds and was transported in critical condition to Mount Sinai Hospital in Queens. Additionally, a 44-year-old woman and a man in his 30s were identified as victims of the horrific incident.

The names of the victims have not been released pending notification of their relatives. The police believe that there is a familial connection between the victims and the suspect, Courtney Gordon. Gordon, who resided in the Bronx, was visiting his relatives in Queens when the rampage occurred.

Authorities are currently investigating the motive behind this devastating attack. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the unpredictable dangers that law enforcement officers face in the line of duty.

During a news conference, Patrick Henry, president of the New York City Police Benevolent Association, commended the bravery and skill displayed by the injured officers, particularly the veteran officer who successfully neutralized the attacker despite being wounded. Henry emphasized the importance of their presence, stating, “Imagine what could have happened if these police officers weren’t there.”