A tragic incident unfolded in Far Rockaway, New York, on Sunday morning when a man allegedly murdered four of his family members before attacking two police officers, according to the New York Police Department (NYPD). The suspect was subsequently shot and killed by police.
The NYPD received a distress call around 5:10 a.m. from a teenage girl who reported that her cousin was attacking her family at their residence on Beach 22nd Street. Upon arrival, the responding officers were confronted by the suspect, who was attempting to exit the premises with luggage.
The suspect, who was later identified as 39-year-old Courtney Gordon, reportedly attacked the officers with a knife. One officer sustained a slash wound to the face, while the other was cut in the neck. The altercation lasted approximately 10 seconds before a 28-year veteran officer shot and killed Gordon.
Following the confrontation, the police were unable to immediately enter the home due to a fire. Firefighters were called to the scene to extinguish the blaze. Once inside, officers discovered a grim scene. A young child was found dead outside the home, and three additional victims were found inside, all believed to have been fatally stabbed.
The injured officers were transported to Jamaica Hospital, where they were expected to make a full recovery. Gordon was also taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Another individual, who had also been stabbed, was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
The incident underscores the unpredictable and dangerous nature of police work, according to Patrick Hendry, President of the Police Benevolent Association. He described the scene as chaotic, with multiple victims, a house on fire, and a man on a violent rampage.
The fire is currently under investigation by the Fire Department of New York Marshals.