An on-duty FDNY first responder was stabbed to death this week in what authorities say was a completely unprovoked attack in broad daylight in Mayor Eric Adam’s New York City, leaving behind a heartbroken family, devastated coworkers, and a bewildered community.
EMS Lieutenant Alison Russo was reportedly standing on a street corner outside a fire station in Queens Thursday when she was attacked by a gray-shirted man with a knife. The 61-year-old woman was stabbed multiple times before being rushed to Mount Sinai Queens Hospital and pronounced dead.
Meanwhile, the suspect, a 34-year-old male, reportedly ran a few blocks from the crime scene and barricaded himself in his apartment, finally coming out at the urging of negotiators. He was taken custody with charges pending.
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Residents who lived near the knifeman said he was a loner who could often be seen walking around the block alone for no discernible reason.
“God, what’s going on in this world because this is such a quiet area,” said Connie Syrigos, who lives nearby, according to the New York Post. “This is all families here, decent people, working people, and this never happened before. So when I saw this I was very surprised.”
Russo had been with the FDNY for 24 years and was one of the brave first responders who answered the call on 9/11.
The attack comes amid a rash of violence across New York City, including stabbings and shootings in broad daylight, attacks on the elderly, and random slayings often targeting innocent bystanders. Citywide shooting incidents were up by 13.4% in July compared with last year, with overall crime skyrocketing more than 30%.