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Suspect Charged in Stabbing of Tourist at NYC Department Store

2025-12-13

The BareStory

A female tourist from California was stabbed multiple times on Thursday afternoon inside a restroom at the Macy's flagship store in New York City's Herald Square. The New York Police Department stated the attack, which they described as unprovoked, occurred around 3 p.m. on the seventh floor while the woman was changing her infant daughter's diaper. The victim's husband reportedly heard screams, entered the restroom, and helped subdue the assailant until police and store security arrived.

Police arrested Kerri Aherne, 43, of Tewksbury, Massachusetts, at the scene. She was later charged with attempted murder, assault, criminal possession of a weapon, and endangering the welfare of a child. Following a court appearance on Friday, Aherne was ordered to be held without bail.

According to prosecutors, Aherne told police she had been discharged from a psychiatric hospital on the morning of the attack. The criminal complaint alleges that Aherne stated she went to Macy's, bought a knife, and was looking for someone to kill because voices in her head told her she had to do so or she would be killed. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office also said Aherne had a prior arrest in Massachusetts for allegedly threatening to kill a U.S. senator.

The victim and her husband are both employees of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The victim was transported to a hospital in stable condition. According to the criminal complaint, her baby fell from a changing table during the incident and sustained minor injuries. Both were later released from the hospital. A Macy's spokesperson stated that the company is reinforcing safety measures and that the safety of customers is a top priority.

Left Perspective

  • The suspect is charged with several serious violent felonies.
  • The attack was described by police as unprovoked and targeted a vulnerable individual.
  • Prosecutors allege the suspect has a prior history of threatening violence.

Right Perspective

  • The suspect allegedly reported a recent discharge from psychiatric care.
  • The suspect claimed she was compelled to act by auditory hallucinations.
  • The suspect's alleged actions were part of a plan to fulfill the voices' demands.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• The attack in a major department store may raise public concern about personal safety in high-traffic retail areas and tourist locations across the country.

• Large retailers may reinforce security protocols in response, potentially leading to more visible security or altered customer access to facilities like restrooms.

• The suspect’s reported discharge from a psychiatric hospital may intensify public debate on the adequacy of mental healthcare protocols and post-release community support.

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