Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News :
A horrifying incident unfolded in Queens, New York, early Sunday morning as a man went on a deadly knife rampage, claiming the lives of four of his relatives, including two innocent children. The attacker then proceeded to set the family’s residence ablaze before turning his violent fury towards two brave police officers, stabbing them in a frenzied assault. The tragic chain of events came to a halt when one of the officers, in an act of self-defense, fatally shot the assailant.
The shocking incident occurred in the peaceful neighborhood of Far Rockaway, shattering the tranquility of its residents. The authorities were alerted to the unfolding tragedy when a distressed young female dialed 911, desperately pleading for help as her cousin unleashed unimaginable violence upon her family. Swiftly responding to the distress call, the police arrived at the scene, only to encounter a man attempting to flee with his belongings. Within moments, chaos erupted as the suspect brandished a knife and launched a vicious attack on the officers.
During the brutal confrontation, one officer suffered stab wounds to his neck and chest, while the other sustained a deep slash to his head. Faced with a life-threatening situation, one of the officers was forced to use deadly force, shooting the assailant to protect themselves and others. Tragically, an 11-year-old girl, found outside the residence, succumbed to her stab wounds at a nearby hospital. Inside the house, the authorities discovered the lifeless bodies of a 12-year-old boy, a 44-year-old woman, and a man in his 30s, all brutally slain.
In addition to the devastating loss of life, a 61-year-old woman was gravely injured in the attack, fighting for her life with multiple stab wounds. However, there is hope amidst this darkness, as both injured police officers are expected to recover from their injuries.
The assailant has been identified as Courtney Gordon, a 38-year-old man who was visiting the family from his residence in the Bronx. The identities of the victims have not yet been revealed, adding another layer of heartache to this already tragic event. Patrick Hendry, the head of the New York Police Department’s police union, expressed his admiration for the heroic actions of the officer who bravely confronted the assailant, stating, “The skill that this police officer had was shooting and stopping the threat after he was being stabbed. Unbelievable skill.”
This horrifying rampage follows in the wake of another recent knife attack in the Bronx, where a college student, reportedly tormented by auditory hallucinations, claimed the lives of his father, his 5-year-old half-brother, and the young boy’s mother. These senseless acts of violence serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for mental health resources and support within our communities.
As the investigation into this devastating incident continues, the residents of Queens and beyond mourn the loss of innocent lives and grapple with the profound grief that accompanies such senseless acts of violence.