Veteran paramedic and 9/11 first responder fatally stabbed on her lunch break in unprovoked attack

EMS Lieutenant Alison Russo-Elling was killed in an unprovoked assault on Thursday (Footage: AP / FDNY / Fb)

A veteran emergency medical companies employee was killed whereas taking her lunch break on Thursday in what police are calling an ‘unprovoked assault.’

Alison Russo-Elling, an EMS lieutenant for the Hearth Division of New York (FDNY) was fatally stabbed by a person in Queens.

Russo-Elling was attacked round 2.20pm on Thursday, about half a block away from Station 49 in Astoria.

Russo was reportedly grabbing meals on her lunch break when a person ran as much as her on the sidewalk and stabbed her a number of occasions.

FDNY officers stand at consideration for a memorial service for Alison Russo-Elling (Image: FDNY)

She was rushed to Mount Sinai Queens Hospital, the place she died from her accidents.

Her attacker was recognized by police as Peter Zisopoulos.

Zisopoulos, 34, had no prior arrests. He was hospitalized however by no means charged after making violent threats towards Asians in 2018, a police supply advised the New York Day by day Information.

Russo-Elling was a 24-year FDNY veteran. She began as a EMT in 1998, and was shortly promoted to paramedic in 2002. She was promoted to lieutenant in 2016.

Russo-Elling was a 24-year veteran of the FDNY (Image: FACEBOOK)

The FDNY additionally confirmed that Russo-Elling was one of many first responders to assist with rescue and restoration efforts after the 9/11 assaults on the World Commerce Facilities in 2001.

Russo-Elling is the 1,158th member of the FDNY to be killed within the line of responsibility.

‘We misplaced a hero in the present day,’ New York Metropolis Mayor Eric Adams acknowledged on Twitter. ‘Lt. Russo-Elling gave a lot for our metropolis. Please maintain her household and the FDNY in your prayers tonight.’

FDNY officers salute as Russo-Elling’s physique is carried at Station 49 in Astoria (Image: FDNY)

‘I labored with EMTs for years,’ Adams added. ‘I’ve seen what they do up shut. Their sacrifice is immeasurable.’

New York Governor Kathy Hochul ordered all flags to fly at half-mast on Friday in honor of Russo-Elling.

‘Our hearts are together with her household as we honor her life and keep in mind her as a hero,’ the governor acknowledged. ‘I do know all New Yorkers are grateful for her service over greater than 20 years with FDNY and as a World Commerce Heart first responder.’

Russo-Elling lived on Lengthy Island and is survived by her daughter and her dad and mom.

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