A violent and tragic incident shook the Bensonhurst neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City, when police fatally shot a 49-year-old man who allegedly stabbed four young girls, believed to be his relatives, with a meat cleaver.

The confrontation, described as a “horrific scene” by authorities, has drawn significant attention across multiple news outlets, shedding light on the swift police response and the devastating circumstances that unfolded.

According to ABC News, the incident began when an 11-year-old girl, one of the victims, managed to call 911 while hiding in a bedroom during the attack.

NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, speaking at a news conference outside the home, recounted the bravery of the young girl who, despite not knowing her exact address, provided critical information that allowed police to trace her location using advanced technology.

“Officers and EMS arrived at the door within minutes of receiving the 911 call,” Tisch said, emphasizing that their rapid response “absolutely saved the lives of these young girls.”

Upon arrival, officers encountered a blood-soaked apartment, with walls and floors spattered in what Tisch described as a “horrific scene.”

The suspect, wielding a blood-covered meat cleaver, reportedly ignored repeated commands to drop the weapon and advanced toward the officers, prompting two of them to open fire.

Fox News reported that the man was “shot and critically injured,” though some sources, including posts on X, indicate he may have succumbed to his injuries, though official confirmation of his death remains pending in some reports.

The four young girls, all juveniles, suffered severe injuries in the attack. ABC News noted that the victims were stabbed by the suspect, who authorities believe was their uncle.

The quick intervention by police and emergency medical services ensured the girls were transported to a hospital, though updates on their conditions have not been widely detailed in initial reports.

The NYPD’s response has been praised for its decisiveness.

Tisch highlighted the technological and tactical efforts that pinpointed the location and allowed officers to force entry into the home, a point echoed in coverage by Fox News, which described the suspect as a “machete-wielding man” taken down in a dramatic confrontation.

Visuals from the scene, including photos of two bloody knives held up by a police detective, were shared widely, underscoring the brutality of the incident.

While the motive behind the attack remains under investigation, the event has sparked varied reactions. Some posts on X reflect broader sentiments about safety in New York City, with one user calling it a “total wasteland” and expressing reluctance to visit.

However, the focus of news coverage has largely centered on the police actions and the resilience of the young victims, particularly the 11-year-old whose 911 call triggered the life-saving response.