A security officer at a Philadelphia Macy’s store was fatally stabbed, and another was injured in a violent incident on Monday morning. The assailant, who had allegedly attempted to shoplift several hats, was initially thwarted by the unarmed security personnel around 10:45 a.m., as per the Philadelphia police. After his unsuccessful theft attempt, the man was allowed to leave the premises, only to return shortly after and launch a brutal attack on the security guards.
The attacker reportedly rushed towards one of the guards, brandishing a knife and began stabbing him. A second guard intervened in an attempt to save his colleague, but he too was stabbed multiple times. Both victims were immediately transported to Jefferson Hospital. The 30-year-old guard, who had been stabbed in the neck, was pronounced dead on arrival, while the 23-year-old guard, who suffered stab wounds to his face and arm, was reported to be in recovery as of Monday night.
Following the incident, the suspect fled the scene but was later apprehended at a Philadelphia subway station. The identities of the victims and the suspect have not been disclosed. Interim Police Commissioner John Stanford Jr. described the incident as a “tragic situation,” especially considering it occurred just weeks before the holiday season. He emphasized that the security officers were merely performing their duties.
The motive behind the suspect’s violent reaction after initially leaving the store remains unclear. This incident adds to Philadelphia’s ongoing struggle with crime, including a surge in shoplifting incidents. Macy’s, located directly across from City Hall, has reportedly experienced one of the highest rates of retail theft in the city center.
Stanford revealed that the store has reported over 250 thefts this year alone, highlighting the severity of the issue. He stressed the need for citywide efforts to address the problem, stating, “What started as a retail theft has ended in a homicide here. It’s still a very important crime that we have to continue to work toward making sure we see a little bit of a decrease in.”
In response to the incident, Macy’s announced that the store would remain closed for the time being as officials cooperate with authorities in the ongoing investigation. A company spokesperson expressed their grief over the tragic event, stating, “We are heartbroken about the tragedy that took place today at Macy’s Center City. Ensuring the safety and well-being of our customers and colleagues is always our top priority.”