A terrifying stabbing unfolded inside New York City’s iconic Macy’s Herald Square during the height of the holiday shopping season, leaving a California tourist seriously injured and raising fresh concerns about public safety in America’s largest city.
The victim, a 38-year-old woman visiting from Jurupa Valley, California, was attacked Thursday while shopping with her infant daughter at the flagship Manhattan department store.
Police say the woman was stabbed in the back and slashed in the arm while changing her 10-month-old child’s diaper inside a seventh-floor restroom.
The woman, who works for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department along with her partner, was rushed to a nearby hospital in stable condition and is expected to survive. Her daughter was not stabbed, but reportedly fell from the changing table during the violent encounter.
Authorities identified the suspect as Kerri Aherne, 43, of Tewksbury, Massachusetts. She was arrested at the scene and charged with attempted murder, two counts of assault, criminal possession of a weapon, and endangering the welfare of a child.
Investigators say the attack was unprovoked.
According to police, Aherne purchased a knife inside the store earlier that day, before entering the restroom and carrying out the assault.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that Aherne had been discharged from a Manhattan psychiatric facility just hours before the stabbing after spending more than a year in treatment.
During questioning, Aherne reportedly told investigators that “voices in her head told her to kill someone or she would be killed.”
In court on Friday, Aherne told the judge she did not want to return to another hospital, claiming previous treatment “did not help me.” The judge ordered her held without bail, as Trending Politics reported.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 17.
The incident occurred as millions of tourists descend on New York City for the holidays, with Macy’s Herald Square serving as one of the most popular destinations for Christmas shoppers.
A Macy’s spokesperson released a brief statement following the attack.
“We are deeply saddened about the incident that took place today as the safety of our customers and colleagues is our top priority,” the company said, adding that further questions would be deferred to law enforcement.
The stabbing comes amid projections that approximately 8 million travelers will visit New York City between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, according to New York City Tourism + Conventions.
“With 8 million visitors expected between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, New Yorkers and travelers alike will enjoy unforgettable experiences,” said NYC Tourism President Julie Coker, praising the city’s seasonal attractions.
But the brutal attack inside a family restroom has reignited criticism over crime, mental health failures, and public safety in New York, particularly as violent incidents continue to surface in high-traffic tourist areas.
The fact that the suspect allegedly bought a knife inside the same store and attacked a mother holding an infant has intensified scrutiny over security and oversight during the busy holiday rush.
For many Americans, the incident serves as another grim reminder that even iconic, heavily trafficked locations are no longer immune from sudden violence.
