NYPD Fatal Shooting of Man with Butcher Knife on Lower East Side

New York City police fatally shot a 54-year-old man Sunday afternoon after officers said he advanced toward them with a large butcher knife inside a Lower East Side apartment building, authorities said. The shooting occurred at approximately 4 p.m. on August 16, 2026, at 126 Ludlow Street, after officers responded to multiple 911 calls reporting an assault in progress.

According to NYPD Assistant Chief Melissa Eger, officers entering the building discovered a trail of blood leading up a staircase. As they ascended, they encountered the man, identified as Wei Chan, coming down the stairs armed with the knife. Eger stated at a Sunday evening news conference that officers issued repeated commands for Chan to show his hands and drop the weapon, but he continued to advance. Officers then opened fire, striking Chan. He was transported to Bellevue Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators reported that Chan had injured his 75-year-old father, Cheung Chan, before police arrived. The father was found suffering from a laceration to the head and was also hospitalized. Officials said he is expected to survive. Four responding officers were taken to a hospital for evaluation with...