Former NYPD Sergeant Steve Chan Steps Into Violent Brooklyn Street Brawl, Prevents Further Bloodshed
Retired police officer and New York state senator praised after calmly intervening in a three-man fight despite the presence of a knife
Report : (Manzoor Hussain)
BROOKLYN, N.Y.: Former NYPD Sergeant and New York State Senator Steve Chan has been widely praised after courageously intervening in a violent street fight involving three men in South Brooklyn, preventing the situation from escalating further. A video of the incident, shared on Facebook this week, has drawn widespread attention and highlighted Chan’s decades of public service.
The footage shows Chan, a retired U.S. Marine and former New York Police Department sergeant, stepping between three men engaged in a heated confrontation. One of the individuals appeared to be bloodied following an alleged fistfight, while a knife could be seen lying on the ground nearby, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
According to Chan’s office, the senator was leaving a meeting when he noticed the altercation unfolding in the street. Seeing that no one was attempting to intervene, he calmly walked into the middle of the confrontation and tried to defuse tensions. Despite the men continuing to shout at one another—and one individual throwing another punch—Chan maintained his composure and worked to prevent the violence from escalating.
Reflecting on the incident, Chan said he could not stand by while others were in danger.
“New Yorkers who are caught in the crosshairs of fights turn away because of fear. Not me,” Chan said. “I will continue to ensure our streets of South Brooklyn are safe no matter what it takes. Once a cop, always a cop.”
The state senator also emphasized that his commitment to public service has remained unchanged since his years in uniform.
“I took an oath to serve and protect this country—and this city—and that commitment is something that I take very seriously,” he said.
Police officers arrived at the scene shortly after Chan intervened.
Former New York City Councilmember Ari Kagan, who shared the video on Facebook, praised Chan’s courage, describing his actions as an example of decisive leadership under pressure.
“The senator walked into danger instead of staying away from it, bare-handed and unarmed, with calm and steely composure, using the skills he learned as a police officer,” Kagan wrote. “He took control of a dangerous situation. That’s strength in leadership—cool, calm, strong and fearless.”
The incident has sparked praise on social media, with many commending Chan for risking his own safety to protect others and demonstrating the qualities of a seasoned law enforcement officer even after transitioning into public office.