Senator James Sanders Condemns Horrific Violence in Queens, Offers Condolences to Victims' Families

Queens, New York– December 12, 2023 – Senator James Sanders today issued a statement condemning the horrific violence that occurred in Queens, New York, on Sunday, in which a man killed four family members, including two children, set a building on fire, and stabbed two police officers before being fatally shot by one of the officers.

I am deeply saddened and outraged by the senseless violence that occurred in Far Rockaway, Queens, on Sunday morning. This horrific act of violence claimed the lives of four innocent people and left two brave NYPD officers injured.

My heart goes out to the families of the victims who are grappling with unimaginable grief. I cannot fathom the pain they must be experiencing during this difficult time. I pray for their strength and comfort as they navigate this tragedy.

I also want to commend the NYPD officers who responded to the scene with courage and professionalism. Their quick action undoubtedly saved lives and prevented further tragedy.

This act of violence is a stark reminder of the dangers we face every day. We must come together as a community to address the root causes of violence and ensure that everyone feels safe in their homes and neighborhoods. 

In the meantime, I urge everyone to offer their support to the victims and their families. We must stand together in the face of this tragedy and demonstrate that we will not tolerate violence in our communities.

In the wake of this tragedy, we must also take action to address the root causes of violence. We must invest in mental health resources, provide access to education and job opportunities, and work to create a more equitable society.

Together, we can create a world where violence is no longer a reality.