Four family members tragically lost their lives in a brutal stabbing spree at a residence in Queens, New York in the early hours of Sunday morning. The incident, which unfolded in the Far Rockaway neighborhood, also saw the attacker engage in a confrontation with two police officers before being fatally shot in the driveway.

According to NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, the incident began when patrol officers responded to a 911 call at around 5 a.m. The 38-year-old suspect, identified as Courtney Gordon of the Bronx, was leaving the residence on Beach 22nd Street with luggage when the officers approached him. Maddrey stated that as the officers attempted to question Gordon, he drew a knife and attacked, slashing one officer in the neck and the other in the head.

In response, one of the officers managed to retrieve his service weapon and discharged a single shot, incapacitating the knife-wielding assailant. All three individuals involved in the altercation were transported to a nearby hospital. While the suspect was pronounced dead, the injured officers were being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The harrowing situation worsened as additional officers arrived at the scene. They discovered the lifeless body of an 11-year-old girl in front of the house. Unfortunately, her injuries proved fatal. Efforts to reach the other victims within the residence were impeded by a fire that had erupted in the living room.

Chief of Detectives Joe Kenney explained that Gordon allegedly set fire to the couch at the front of the house as he was departing. Members of the FDNY promptly responded to extinguish the flames, enabling first responders to gain access to the property. Upon entering, they discovered four more victims in different back bedrooms. Authorities confirmed that a 12-year-old boy, a 44-year-old woman, and a man in his 30s had all succumbed to their injuries. Additionally, a 61-year-old woman with multiple stab wounds was rushed to the hospital and is currently in critical condition.

Chief Maddrey informed reporters that the weapon used to assault the officers was a common kitchen steak knife and is the only weapon recovered thus far. Investigators will endeavor to determine whether this same knife was employed in the attack on the family members inside the residence.

At present, the motive behind this horrifying assault remains unknown. However, police are conducting interviews with the 911 caller at a police station in hopes of shedding light on the events leading up to the tragedy.

The community is reeling from the shock of this devastating incident as authorities continue their investigation, seeking answers to the questions surrounding the senseless loss of four lives.