The Macy’s store in Philadelphia was turned into a crime scene on Monday when an apparent shoplifter stabbed two security guards, resulting in the death of one. The popular department store, located across from City Hall in Center City, will remain closed temporarily as authorities conduct a criminal investigation.
According to a spokesperson for Macy’s, the store will remain closed as long as needed while they work with law enforcement on the investigation. The company expressed its deep sadness over the tragic incident that occurred at Macy’s Center City. They did not provide a timeline for when the store would reopen and deferred further comment to the police.
Both security guards were immediately rushed to Jefferson Hospital after the stabbing. One of the victims, a 30-year-old male, was stabbed in the neck and was later pronounced dead by medical professionals. The other victim, a 23-year-old male, suffered stab wounds to his neck and face. He is currently receiving treatment and is said to be in stable condition, according to police reports.
The incident took place just after 11 a.m. on Monday, with the suspect fleeing the scene on a SEPTA train after the attack. Fortunately, the SEPTA police were able to swiftly apprehend the suspect at the Somerset Station and turn him over to the Philadelphia Police Department, which is handling the investigation.
One security guard was killed and another was injured in a stabbing attack at a Macy’s department store in Philadelphia. @sramosabc reports. https://t.co/i8wp9gG0Ko pic.twitter.com/skZplVdMQc
— Good Morning America (@GMA) December 5, 2023
Police officers at the scene revealed that the incident began approximately 15 minutes before they were called when the suspect attempted to steal several hats. The security guards at Macy’s confronted the man and managed to retrieve the stolen items and let him go. However, the suspect returned to the store and launched a brutal attack on the guards.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner, John Stafford, reported that the suspect went straight for one of the security guards upon his return, before turning his attention to the second guard. He then proceeded to stab the second guard who was trying to save the first victim. The second guard sustained multiple stab wounds in the process.
Stafford also mentioned that one of the security guards was only a few months into the job, and neither guard was armed as they were hired by Macy’s. The tragic incident has sparked concerns over safety and security at the department store, which has seen a high number of retail thefts this year, with 250 incidents reported to the police.
Currently, the store is closed and will remain so until further notice. The Philadelphia Police Department stated that they will provide updates on the investigation and any future announcements will come from the company. As of now, the community is mourning the loss of one of the security guards and praying for the recovery of the other victim. The Macy’s store in Philadelphia will be remembered as the site of a tragic and senseless act of violence.
