现年61岁的Alison Russo-Elling在纽约市消防局已经工作了25年。
作为队内的紧急医疗技术人员,她一直热心于工作,照顾队内的每一位同事。
2001年9月11日,震惊世界的911恐怖袭击事件发生时,Russo就是第一批响应,投入搜救工作的消防员。Lt. Alison Russo-Elling was retiring in 6 months.
— Michael Henry (@michaelhenry4ag) September 30, 2022
She served us on September 11th.
Yesterday, she was brutally stabbed over 20 times by a madman who walked up to her while she was on duty.
New Yorkers have had enough of the violence on our streets. pic.twitter.com/GUFAMiZfAB
在911事件丧生的 2,977 名受害者中,有 420 名是纽约市的紧急救援人员。其中包括343 名纽约市消防局的消防员。
事件已经过去这么多年,当年执勤的消防员们尽管有的人得以幸存,但仍承受着外伤、呼吸和消化系统疾病。
2019 年 7 月,纽约官方报告称,有 200 名消防员死于911空袭后的相关疾病。
在此后的每年911纪念日中,这批消防员的牺牲与贡献都在背一遍又一遍的铭记。
The senseless murder of @FDNY EMS Lt. Alison Russo-Elling is tragic loss mourned by all of NYC. A 25-year veteran, she was a dedicated public servant who selflessly cared for people in their time of need. Lt. Russo-Elling led a life of significance. Praying for her family. pic.twitter.com/sE7z0vciFr
— Bill Bratton (@CommissBratton) September 30, 2022
然而作为其中一员的Russo,并没有等到带着荣誉退休的那一天,而是被一名手持牛排刀的恶徒当街刺杀,身中19刀身亡。
周四下午,Russo在执勤的间隙去工作站取食物,路过第 20 大道和施坦威街交叉口附近时, 34 岁的 Peter Zisopoulos突然拿出一把牛排刀,将Russo撞倒并开始攻击她。
Zisopoulos辱骂着Russo,并持刀不断刺向她,随后潜逃至附近的公寓。NYC is a city full of cowards. They just look… while she bleeds.
— Lawrence Jones III (@LawrenceBJones3) September 30, 2022
pic.twitter.com/zfywxj2kRH
警方赶到后,谈判小组和紧急服务部门的成员将嫌疑人劝离了大楼。
资料显示Zisopoulos 之前没有被捕经历,与Russo更是没有有任何联系。执法部门消息人士称,他患有精神病史。This is Peter Zisopoulous.
— Michael Henry (@michaelhenry4ag) September 30, 2022
He has been charged with murder in vicious stabbing of FDNY EMT Alison Russo-Elling.
The attack was completely unprovoked.
A witness confronted him & he yelled, "F*** you."
I am running to STOP the CRIME CRISIS in NY. https://t.co/12clLP7IQD
Zisopoulos 目前被指控犯有谋杀罪和非法持有武器罪,尚未被传讯。
Peter Zisopoulos stabs to death 61 year old Alison Russo-Elling multiple times on a public street. She was a 24-year FDNY veteran in New York City... 6 months from retiring.
— Suzanne (@MayKelly) September 30, 2022
He was arrested at his home. pic.twitter.com/sKZwt9q33p
悲剧发生后,纽约市长亚当斯说:“我们失去了一位英雄,她为这座城市提供了超过 24 年的服务,袭击她的人已被逮捕,并将对其行为负责。”
所有纽约市消防局的工作人员们对这个噩耗感到震惊和悲伤,他们聚集在抢救过Russo的医院互相安慰并哀悼。Today 25 year veteran EMS Lt. Alison Russo-Elling was Murdered in the Line of Duty while attending to a patient.
— FDNY UFA (@UFANYC) September 30, 2022
The UFA and all members of the FDNY are Enraged at the senseless killing and ever increasing violence in our city.
It has to stop. pic.twitter.com/ngMxdUmOct
消防局发言人称:“这起事件是“野蛮且完全无端的袭击”,Russo 中尉是纽约消防局的典范,她是911事件的第一响应者。她因勇敢和拯救生命的工作而被多次夸奖。她在这份工作中绝对受到爱戴。”
为了纪念Russo的离世,亚当斯市长下令周四晚间将纽约所有建筑的旗帜降半旗。纽约州州长Kathy Hochul要求从周五日出到Russo的葬礼后,降半旗以纪念她的贡献。
纽约警察和消防员福利基金会将向 Russo的家人提供 50,000 美元的经济帮助。