Senator Chan Calls for Inclusion of Involuntary Commitment in Enacted Budget

ALBANY, NY — In the wake of a horrific cleaver attack in Brooklyn, Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt and Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, along with Senator Stephen T. Chan, Assemblyman Lester Chang, and members of the Senate and Assembly Minority Conferences, today demanded the inclusion of involuntary commitment in the enacted state budget.

This past weekend, law enforcement and emergency medical personnel responded to a 911 call originating from a residence on 84th Street near 17th Avenue in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn.

According to the New York City Police Department, four minors—ages 8, 11, 13, and 16—were found inside the residence with serious stab wounds. All were transported to local hospitals for medical treatment and are expected to survive.

Upon arrival, officers were led into the building by an uninjured minor. Police then made entry into the residence and encountered a man identified as Longqian Chen, 49, who was in possession of a large meat cleaver. 

Chen, a relative of the victims, was transported to the hospital and remains in critical condition. According to statements from family members, Chen has a known history of mental illness and had been previously hospitalized with schizophrenia. 

The pushing of involuntary commitment in the state budget comes after a series of horrific acts committed by individuals suffering from untreated mental illness. Days earlier, 25-year-old Megan Berg, a young woman who moved to New York to pursue her dream in theater, was randomly slashed in SoHo by a violent career criminal with a history of mental illness. The conferences joined together to urge for real action in the state budget which includes expanded criteria for commitment, stronger outpatient treatment under Kendra’s Law, and earlier intervention for those in crisis.

Thank heavens no lives have been lost at this point in this heinous crime, and I want to commend the brave girl who called 911 as well as the NYPD for their quick response – there is no doubt they saved lives.

                         Said Senator Chan

The addition of involuntary commitment into the state budget would serve to minimize the risk poses to oneself and their community. 

Mental illness affects all communities and must be addressed. This is not political, this is common sense. How many more horror stories is it going to take to protect our neighborhoods?

                         Said Senator Chan

You can watch the full press conference here: 

https://youtu.be/Rphq6ukRZ8Q?si=BYsOkKGPyvSUXGru&t=684

For more information: 
CONTACT:
The Office of Senator Stephen T. Chan
Phone: (718) 333-0311
Email: ChanInfo@NYSenate.gov