The courageous California mom who valiantly fought off a crazed attacker while changing her baby in the bathroom of Macy’s Herald Square was acting purely on “a mom’s instinct,” according to a family friend interviewed by The Post.
Justine Silva, the family friend, expressed her lack of surprise at the mom’s heroic actions, stating, “She works out. She’s pretty fit.” This physical fitness likely played a role in her ability to defend herself during the harrowing incident, in which she sustained stab wounds to her back, shoulder, and arm.
The brave mom, whose identity has not been disclosed, was in New York City with her family for a holiday trip. They were scheduled to leave the day after the attack but are now stranded in the Big Apple indefinitely. Silva shared that this trip was the couple’s first visit to New York since the birth of their baby, adding a layer of heartbreak to the traumatic experience.
The suspect in the case, Kerri Aherne, 43, had been released from a psychiatric facility on the morning of the attack. She has since been charged with attempted murder, assault, child endangerment, and weapons possession in connection with the disturbing incident.
The details of the attack have shocked the community and raised concerns about safety in public spaces. The mom’s quick thinking and physical strength likely saved her and her baby from further harm, but the psychological impact of such a traumatic event can be long-lasting.
As the investigation continues and the family grapples with the aftermath of the attack, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the resilience of mothers who will stop at nothing to protect their children. Our thoughts are with the victim and her family as they navigate this difficult time.
