New York, N.Y. — A woman has been indicted for allegedly stabbing a tourist in a Macy’s restroom, an attack that has raised serious concerns about public safety in the bustling store. Kerri Aherne, 43, faced the court on Jan. 7, just weeks after the disturbing incident that occurred on Dec. 10, 2025.
According to prosecutors, Aherne had only recently been released from the Manhattan Psychiatric Center when she allegedly purchased a knife inside the iconic department store. Reports state that she approached a 38-year-old mother from behind as she changed her 10-month-old baby’s diaper and began stabbing her without any apparent provocation.
Witnesses described the chaos that ensued. As the mother fought back, her baby fell to the ground but fortunately emerged uninjured. Store security and the victim’s boyfriend quickly arrived to subdue Aherne until police could take her into custody.
District Attorney Alvin Bragg condemned the attack, emphasizing that families visiting Manhattan during the holiday season deserve a safe environment. “This tourist was attacked inside one of the city’s largest and most frequented department stores, posing public safety implications for employees, visitors, and New Yorkers alike,” Bragg stated. He extended wishes for a swift recovery to the injured mother.
The mother sustained multiple wounds to her back, arm, and head and was treated at Bellevue Hospital, where she received stitches. The care she received spotlighted the potential dangers faced by everyday citizens in places once thought to be safe.
Legal representatives have noted Aherne’s troubling history of mental illness, which led to her prior confinement in a psychiatric facility in Massachusetts. During police questioning, she claimed that voices compelled her to commit the attack, alleging she believed that if she did not harm someone, her own life would be at risk.
Aherne is facing serious charges, including attempted murder and endangering the welfare of a child. During her court appearance, she was arraigned in handcuffs, visibly distressed and wearing prison garb. Judge Ann Thompson ordered her held without bail and scheduled her next court appearance for Feb. 11.
This incident has raised urgent questions about mental health resources and public safety, particularly in high-traffic areas like department stores. As prosecutors build their case, the community remains vigilant, looking for justice and safer shopping experiences for all.