A longtime veteran with the New York Metropolis Fireplace Division Bureau of Emergency Medical Companies was fatally stabbed Thursday in an unprovoked assault throughout her lunch break, police mentioned. A suspect has been taken into custody.
Lt. Alison Russo-Elling, a 25-year FDNY EMS veteran, was stabbed a number of instances Thursday afternoon whereas on responsibility in Queens, New York Metropolis Mayor Eric Adams mentioned at a press convention.
The 61-year-old was rushed to a hospital in Queens, the place she died from her accidents, Adams mentioned.
Russo-Elling was getting meals throughout her break, whereas carrying garments that clearly indicated she was a member of FDNY, when a 34-year-old man brandished a knife and stabbed her a number of instances, NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig mentioned.
Two individuals who know the perpetrator witnessed the assault, and one among them chased him into his third ground residence, the place he barricaded himself, Essig mentioned. The suspect was talked out of the residence by members of a hostage negotiating workforce and brought into custody. His identify was not instantly launched.
The investigation into the assault is ongoing, police mentioned.
Performing FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh referred to as the assault on Russo-Elling — who served as a World Commerce Middle first responder on 9/11 — "barbaric and fully unprovoked."
"Members of EMS serve solely to assist and save different folks's lives," she mentioned. "To be attacked and killed in the middle of serving to others is each heartbreaking and enraging for our division in methods I can't describe. Lt. Russo exemplified FDNY EMS. She served this metropolis for 25 years, she was a World Commerce Middle first responder, she was cited a number of instances for her bravery and her life saving work and he or she was completely beloved on this job."
Russo-Elling was the 1,158th member of the FDNY to die within the line of responsibility, and the second member of EMS, to die within the line of responsibility within the final 5 years, Kavanagh mentioned.
NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell mentioned the town is grieving the loss.
'This lethal, mindless, broad daylight assault on a uniformed EMT member is a direct assault on our society," she mentioned. "It's the newest consequence of the violence that we relentlessly battle in our metropolis."
Russo-Elling joined FDNY as an EMT in 1998, the division mentioned. She was promoted to lieutenant in 2016.