NYC Macy’s bathroom stabbing suspect charged
Kerri Aherne has been charged in the Herald Square Macy’s bathroom stabbing; prosecutors say she bought the knife at the store, told police voices instructed her to “kill or be killed,” has a history of mental illness and was released from a psychiatric ward the day of the attack, and had a prior 2018 Massachusetts arrest over Facebook threats against Sen. Elizabeth Warren. The victim, a California tourist whose 10-month-old fell from a changing table and was treated for forehead swelling, and her husband — both Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department employees from Jurupa Valley — helped subdue Aherne until store security arrived, and Macy’s has bolstered security including an expanded NYPD detail.
📌 Key Facts
- The victim and her husband are Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department employees who live in Jurupa Valley, California; the husband rushed into the Macy’s bathroom during the attack and helped subdue and hold the suspect until store security arrived.
- During the attack the victim’s 10-month-old fell from a changing table and was treated for forehead redness and swelling.
- Prosecutors identified the suspect as Kerri Aherne and say she purchased the knife at Macy’s, searched for someone to kill, and told police that voices instructed her to 'kill or be killed'; she also said she preferred prison to returning to a hospital.
- Aherne had a prior 2018 arrest in Massachusetts over Facebook posts about killing Senator Elizabeth Warren.
- Macy’s said it has reinforced safety measures at its Herald Square flagship, including expanding an NYPD detail; police presence was visible outside the store.
📰 Sources (2)
California tourist recovering from stabbing at Macy's Herald Square
New information:
- Victim’s 10-month-old fell from the changing table during the attack and was treated for forehead redness/swelling.
- Victim’s husband (also LASD) rushed in and helped subdue and hold the suspect until store security arrived.
- Both the victim and her husband are Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department employees and reside in Jurupa Valley, California.
- Prosecutors say the suspect, Kerri Aherne, purchased the knife at Macy’s and searched for someone to kill, telling police voices instructed her to kill or be killed; she also said she preferred prison to returning to a hospital.
- Aherne had a prior 2018 arrest in Massachusetts for Facebook posts about killing Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
- Macy’s says it has reinforced safety measures at the flagship store, including expanding an NYPD detail; police presence was visible outside Friday.