Macy’s Herald Square stabbing: California tourist stabbed multiple times while changing baby; homeless woman arrested and charged
A California tourist was stabbed multiple times in an unprovoked attack at Macy’s Herald Square in Midtown Manhattan while changing her infant’s diaper; her husband disarmed the assailant, the baby was unharmed and a 43‑year‑old woman was arrested.
- Victim: A 38–39‑year‑old woman from Jurupa Valley, California, visiting with her husband — both work for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
- Incident: Attack occurred just before 3 p.m. on the seventh‑floor women’s restroom at Macy’s Herald Square; the infant was not injured.
- Suspect and charges: 43‑year‑old Kerri Aherne of Tewksbury, Massachusetts (reported homeless) was arrested and faces attempted murder, assault, weapon possession and child‑endangerment charges.
- Sources: ABC News, 6ABC, ABC3340.
What happened
Timeline and witness accounts:
According to NYPD reports, the California tourist was in the women’s restroom on Macy’s seventh floor just before 3 p.m. when she was attacked from behind while changing her infant’s diaper. The assailant stabbed the mother several times in the back and cut her left arm. The infant was with the mother and was not injured.
The victim’s husband rushed to the scene, disarmed the suspect and held her until officers from the NYPD Midtown South Precinct arrived and took the suspect into custody on the seventh floor.
“The attack appears unprovoked,” police said; investigators reported no known prior interaction between the suspect and the victim.
Suspect, arrest and charges
Kerri Aherne, 43, described by police as from Tewksbury, Massachusetts and reported homeless, was arrested at the scene. She faces multiple charges: attempted murder, two counts of assault, criminal possession of a weapon and endangering the welfare of a child. After arraignment she was ordered held without bail.
Police and prosecutors
NYPD investigators from the Midtown South Precinct responded and took Aherne into custody. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. Prosecutors said they are reviewing records, including prior arrests and psychiatric history, to inform charging and any potential competency or mental‑health considerations.
Background and investigation
The Manhattan DA’s office noted Aherne had previously been arrested in Massachusetts for threatening to kill U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and she has reported past psychiatric hospitalizations. Authorities said motive remains under investigation and that they are collecting security camera footage, witness statements and background records to build a timeline and assess state of mind.
Victim’s condition and support
The injured woman was taken to Bellevue Hospital with multiple stab wounds and a laceration to her left arm and was listed in stable condition. Hospital officials and law enforcement have respected the family’s privacy; New York City agencies and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department have not released detailed medical updates publicly.
Retailer response and store safety
Macy’s issued a brief statement saying the company was “deeply saddened” by the incident and that customer and employee safety is a top priority, and referred additional inquiries to law enforcement while the investigation continues. Macy’s Herald Square is one of the city’s busiest stores, especially during the holiday season.
Law enforcement connection
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed both the injured woman and her husband are department employees who were visiting New York City as tourists. The department provided limited details beyond confirming their employment.
Mental health, homelessness and public safety questions
Investigators said the attack appears unprovoked; Aherne’s prior arrest for threatening a U.S. senator and her reported psychiatric hospitalizations have prompted prosecutors and police to examine how mental health and homelessness intersect with public safety. Officials are reviewing records that could affect criminal responsibility, competency evaluations or sentencing considerations.
What authorities are likely to examine next
- Whether Aherne acted alone and if any warning signs preceded the attack.
- Her movements and contacts in New York City in the days before the assault.
- Mental‑health records and prior police reports relevant to competency or intent.
- Security camera footage from Macy’s and nearby establishments to establish a full timeline.
Implications for the Inland Empire
The victim and her husband hail from Jurupa Valley in Riverside County, raising local concerns in the Inland Empire. Possible impacts include short‑term travel anxiety among residents, calls for employee safety protocols when personnel travel, and renewed conversations about mental‑health resources and services for people experiencing homelessness.
Practical advice for travelers and parents
Residents traveling to major cities are advised to take common‑sense precautions: stay aware in crowded public places, travel with companions when possible, and seek immediate help from store staff or security if a situation feels unsafe. For parents, using higher‑traffic family restrooms or facilities with attendants can reduce risk in unfamiliar environments.
