A mother was changing her baby’s diaper in a busy Manhattan store when a stranger walked in with a knife. Minutes later, police had a suspect in custody and a flagship retailer was facing urgent questions about safety during the holiday rush. I have confirmed that Kerri Aherne, 43, of Tewksbury, Massachusetts, was arrested after a stabbing inside Macy’s Herald Square on Thursday afternoon.
Police say the victim, a 38-year-old visitor from California, was stabbed in the back and arm inside a seventh-floor restroom. She was taken to Bellevue Hospital and is in stable condition. Her husband intervened, disarmed the attacker, and held her until officers arrived. Detectives are still working to determine motive.
What Happened Inside Macy’s
The attack happened just before 3 p.m. on December 11, inside a women’s restroom at the nation’s best known department store. The victim was caring for her infant. Investigators say the assault was sudden and appeared unprovoked. Shoppers nearby heard screams, then saw security and NYPD rush the floor.
Aherne was arrested at the scene. She is charged with attempted murder, two counts of assault, criminal possession of a weapon, and endangering the welfare of a child. Those charges reflect both the alleged stabbing and the presence of an infant during the incident.
Kerri Aherne is presumed innocent. The charges are allegations, and prosecutors must prove them in court.
The Legal Case Ahead
Attempted murder is a violent felony under New York law. It can bring a lengthy prison term if there is a conviction. The assault counts and weapon possession will also carry serious exposure. Prosecutors will look at intent, the location of the wounds, and any statements made by the suspect.
Bail is likely to be argued at the first court appearance. New York law allows judges to set bail or remand in serious violent felony cases. An order of protection for the victim and her family is standard in a case like this. The court can also request a mental health evaluation if facts support it. A grand jury review will follow, where prosecutors may seek an indictment on the top charges.
Defense counsel will review store surveillance from hallways and entrances, witness accounts, and physical evidence. Restrooms do not have cameras, so timeline evidence will rely on corridor video, alarm logs, and statements.
Safety and Policy in Big Stores
Macy’s stated that customer safety is the top priority and referred further questions to law enforcement. The company will now face renewed pressure to tighten high-traffic areas during peak shopping. Restrooms are challenging. They are private spaces. That means no cameras inside. Security must rely on staffing, entry monitoring, and quick response.
Expect major retailers to surge visible security through the new year. That often includes uniformed guards, plainclothes loss prevention, and closer patrols near restrooms, escalators, and nursery areas. Stores can also install better hallway cameras, panic buttons outside restroom doors, and clear sightlines to reduce blind spots.
Restrooms and fitting rooms are privacy zones, so cameras are not used inside. That makes the areas next to them the first line of defense.
Private security in New York must be licensed, trained, and coordinated with NYPD. The best practice is simple. Detect early, respond fast, preserve evidence, and support victims. Unions and worker groups will also press for better staff training, including de-escalation and emergency care.
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Rights and Responsibilities for Citizens
New York law allows reasonable force to defend yourself or another person from an attack. The victim’s husband appears to have acted within that principle when he disarmed and restrained the suspect. Witnesses who step in must stop when the threat ends. Then call 911 and wait for police.
Premises liability law requires stores to take reasonable steps to keep customers safe. Victims of violent crime can bring civil claims if a court finds safety measures were not reasonable under the circumstances. That turns on foreseeability and the store’s security plan.
If you witness a violent incident, call 911, give a clear statement, and ask for a copy of the incident number. You can also request an officer escort if you feel unsafe.
What Prosecutors Will Scrutinize
- The speed of the attack and any signs of planning
- Knife recovery, fingerprints, and DNA
- Video from hallways and elevators near the restroom
- Witness accounts that establish intent and identity
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is the suspect?
A: Police identified the suspect as Kerri Aherne, 43, from Tewksbury, Massachusetts. She was arrested at the scene.
Q: What charges were filed?
A: Attempted murder, two counts of assault, criminal possession of a weapon, and endangering the welfare of a child.
Q: How is the victim?
A: She suffered wounds to the back and arm and is stable at Bellevue Hospital.
Q: What happens next in court?
A: An arraignment will address bail and protective orders. Prosecutors will then seek a grand jury indictment.
Q: Could Macy’s face civil claims?
A: Possibly. That depends on whether a court finds the store’s security measures were reasonable.
This is a sobering incident in a landmark store, at the start of peak holiday shopping. The criminal case will move fast, and the policy debate will move faster. New York’s justice system now has the task of delivering answers, and the city’s retailers have the duty to keep every family safe.
