Assemblyman Andrew Molitor (R,C-Westfield) stood at a press conference today condemning the failures that led to the brutal stabbing of four young girls in Bensonhurst, calling the tragedy a preventable act of violence committed by an individual with a known history of serious mental illness. He is joining his fellow Minority leaders to demand urgent legislative action to prevent similar incidents.

“This is a heartbreaking and infuriating example of what happens when red flags are ignored,” said Molitor. “A man diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia—already reported as a threat to his family—was allowed to live in the same home as children. That should never happen in a system that works.”

The suspect, 49-year-old Longqian Chen, allegedly used a meat cleaver and a large knife to attack his 16-year-old daughter and three young nieces, ages eight, 11 and 13. One girl was stabbed more than 10 times in the neck and head. Another lost a finger. All four remain hospitalized in critical condition.

Police sources revealed that a family member had previously filed a complaint with the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS), warning that Chen could become violent. Despite these warnings and his known diagnoses, no protective actions were taken.

“This was a known threat, and the system did nothing to protect these children. We need to fix that—immediately,” Molitor said.

“Our current laws make it too hard to intervene before it’s too late,” said Molitor. “We need to update New York’s involuntary commitment standards to protect families and ensure people in crisis get the help they need—before more lives are shattered.”