State Senator Steve Chan (R-Brooklyn) intervened in a violent street brawl involving three men in South Brooklyn, according to a video posted on Facebook. The footage shows Chan, a retired Marine and former NYPD sergeant, stepping between the individuals. One of the men appeared to be bleeding.
Chan stated that he will continue to ensure the safety of South Brooklyn streets. "New Yorkers who are caught in the crosshairs of fights turn away because of fear. Not me," Chan said in a statement. "I will continue to ensure our streets of South Brooklyn are safe no matter what it takes. Once a cop, always a cop."
The senator reportedly emerged from a meeting and witnessed the fight, also noticing a knife on the ground. According to his office, he calmly walked between the men and attempted to deescalate the situation, despite one man throwing a punch. "I took an oath to serve and protect this country — and this city — and that commitment is something that I take very seriously," Chan added.
Former Councilmember Ari Kagan, who posted the video, wrote that police arrived shortly after the incident. Kagan praised Chan's actions, stating, "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 cop on the streets of the Lower East Side. And took control of the dangerous situation. That’s strength in leadership. Cool, calm, strong, fearless."