UPDATE: A shocking assault inside Macy’s flagship store in New York City has left a family reeling just days before the bustling holiday shopping season begins. On November 29, 2023, Mustafa Sevindik, a 71-year-old cancer survivor, was brutally attacked while shopping with his family on the ninth floor of Macy’s Herald Square.
Authorities report that a woman, identified as Donna Francis, 65, approached Sevindik from behind and struck him four times in the head with what is believed to be a cell phone, then fled the scene down an escalator. Witnessed by his wife and son, the unprovoked attack left the family shaken.
Emre Sevindik, Mustafa’s son, voiced the family’s distress, stating, “It was very scary to see my dad get hit. First reaction was to make sure he was OK.” Mustafa was subsequently hospitalized for treatment of deep internal bruising. Police arrested Francis on the following day, and she has been charged with assault.
In a statement, Macy’s emphasized their commitment to customer safety, saying, “At Macy’s, the safety of our customers and colleagues is always our top priority and all incidents that put that at risk are taken seriously.” However, they did not provide further details, directing inquiries to local authorities.
Mustafa Sevindik is now recovering at home but remains in pain. Reflecting on the incident, he expressed gratitude that the situation was not worse, stating, “Thank God no knife, no gun. I say thank God.” Yet, the attack has instilled fear in him and his family as they navigate the city they love. “Now, I’m scared. For what? For my family, for everyone,” he shared.
His wife, Hulya Sevindik, echoed his sentiments, saying, “I’m nervous. Now, I don’t want to go out.” The emotional toll is evident, with Emre adding, “I can be as hopeful as I can. I don’t know if I’m optimistic.”
The incident highlights rising concerns about safety in Midtown, as the Midtown South Precinct has reported a slight uptick in felony assaults over the past year, with misdemeanor assaults in the area increasing by more than 8%.
As the holiday season approaches, families across the city are left grappling with questions of safety amidst festive shopping. The Sevindik family hopes to maintain their holiday spirit, but the shadow of this attack looms large.
Stay tuned for more developments on this urgent story as authorities continue their investigation.
