Lt. Alison Russo-Elling, a 25-year FDNY EMS veteran and 9/11 first responder, was killed after being stabbed during an attack.
According to CBS New York, the random attack in Queens occurred on Thursday around 2:15 p.m. while she was working at Station 49 on 20th Avenue and 41st Street in Astoria.
“While outside her station she was stabbed multiple times in a barbaric and completely unprovoked attack,” Acting FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said, as CBS New York reported.
She added, “Members of EMS serve only to help and save other people’s lives. To be attacked and killed in the course of helping others is both heartbreaking and enraging for our department in ways I can’t describe.”
The suspect was reportedly identified as 34-year-old Peter Zisopoulos.
He was taken into custody after barricading himself in a building nearby.
The outlet noted Zisopoulos was charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement, “Our hearts go out to the family, her colleagues and the city of New York. We lost one of our heroes.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James tweeted, “Today, New York lost a hero in the line of duty. A 9/11 first responder with over 20 years of service, EMS Lieutenant Alison Russo dedicated her career to selflessly caring for New Yorkers. May she rest in peace.”
Today, New York lost a hero in the line of duty.
— NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) September 29, 2022
A 9/11 first responder with over 20 years of service, EMS Lieutenant Alison Russo dedicated her career to selflessly caring for New Yorkers.
May she rest in peace.
Several other Twitter users shared their reactions:
Her name was Allison Russo-Elling.
— Gigi Graciette (@GigiGraciette) September 29, 2022
She was a World Trade Center first responder on 9/11.
She was an EMT, Paramedic and Lt with @FDNY for 24 years.
She was a mother and a daughter.
Today someone stabbed her to death in an unprovoked attack while she was working.
Heartbreaking. pic.twitter.com/DqtaXAIq0Z
Just horrifying. God bless the victim, a 9/11 first responder, and her family. https://t.co/hIcjuBH7YF
— Mike Lawler (@lawler4ny) September 30, 2022
Such heartbreaking news from our neighborhood. We mourn the loss of EMS @FDNY lt. Allison Russo, tragically killed on duty in Astoria today. She was a 25yr veteran of FDNY & a 9/11 first responder
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) September 30, 2022
Thinking of her family & of all those who loved her. May her memory be a blessing. pic.twitter.com/bApY5uvuTq
The New York City Department of Sanitation sends our condolences to the FDNY and the family and friends of Lt. Alison Russo-Elling.
— NYC Sanitation (@NYCSanitation) September 29, 2022
An EMT.
A 9/11 First Responder.
An NYC hero.
May her memory be a blessing. https://t.co/2KXOiarXXH
BREAKING: FDNY EMS veteran Lt. Alison Russo was brutally stabbed to death while on the job in Astoria Queens.
— Cait Corrigan (@iamcaitcorrigan) September 29, 2022
She was a 9/11 first responder and a New York hero.
Please keep her family and all of our first responders in your prayers tonight. ?? pic.twitter.com/KeYe0OD1Ii
Tonight our city mourns the loss of a hero. @FDNY Lieutenant Alison Russo-Elling was murdered today in the line of duty in an unprovoked attack. A 9/11 First Responder & 25 yr veteran of the FDNY serving Queens, she was one of NY’s Best. We will hold her forever in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/iPYTjlcaXR
— Jenifer Rajkumar (@JeniferRajkumar) September 29, 2022
This beautiful and brave hero was murdered on duty … she was a first responder on 9/11. Rest in peace Hero Angel Lt. Russo-Elling, we didn’t deserve you. Prayers and love to @FDNY family and her loved ones. https://t.co/V6zdEP56XY
— Kitty Alvarado (@HeyKitty) September 30, 2022
Additionally, Fox News reported New York Gov. Kathy Hochul ordered flags at state buildings to fly at half-staff in Russo-Elling’s honor.
