Politics
Tourist Stabbed Multiple Times Outside NYC’s Iconic Macy’s
A California woman was stabbed and slashed multiple times while shopping at New York City’s iconic Macy’s Herald Square, one of the city’s most popular Christmas destinations.
The victim has been identified as a 38-year-old woman who was visiting the Big Apple from Jurupa Valley, California. She was stabbed in the back and slashed in the arm while changing her 10-month-old daughter’s diaper in a seventh-floor restroom at the Macy’s Herald Square store in Midtown Manhattan this past Thursday, according to the New York Police Department.
The victim, who works for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department along with her partner, was transported to a nearby hospital in stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery. Her daughter was not injured, though she fell from the changing table during the altercation.
Authorities have identified the suspect as 43-year-old Kerri Aherne from 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.
Authorities stated that Aherne purchased a knife from the store earlier that day before entering the restroom and carrying out the unprovoked attack. Aherne, who had just been discharged from a Manhattan psychiatric facility that morning after more than a year of treatment, reportedly told investigators that “voices in her head told her to kill someone or she would be killed.”
During her court appearance on Friday, she informed the judge, “doesn’t want to go to another hospital because they did not help me,” and was ordered held without bail, with her next appearance scheduled for December 17.
“We are deeply saddened about the incident that took place today as the safety of our customers and colleagues is our top priority. We kindly defer any further questions to the local authorities,” a Macy’s spokesperson said in response to the incident.
Homeless woman accused of stabbing tourist inside NYC Macy’s bathroom was released from psych hospital morning of attack https://t.co/2zQkJaFvJk pic.twitter.com/vHSmlqwjmQ
— New York Post (@nypost) December 13, 2025
The incident comes in the middle of the bustling holiday shopping season in the nation’s largest city.
According to projections from New York City Tourism + Conventions, approximately 8 million travelers are expected to visit the city between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.
“With 8 million visitors expected between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, New Yorkers and travelers alike will enjoy unforgettable experiences—from dining and shopping to world-class performances and iconic holiday attractions—while supporting businesses across all five boroughs,” said New York City Tourism + Conventions’ President and CEO, Julie Coker.
