Shoppers return to the Center City Macy’s after fatal stabbing

The Center City Macy’s reopened Wednesday, two days after two security guards were stabbed, one fatally, in a foiled theft that escalated into violence.

Despite Monday’s stabbing, a line of around 20 people waited expectantly in the cold morning air to get inside the department store, minutes before doors opened at 11 a.m. People of all ages arrived to shop, watch the daily light show, and visit Santa Claus.

On Monday, Tyrone Tunnell, 30, tried to steal hats from the department store at 13th and Market Streets just before 11 a.m., police said. When security guards confronted him and retrieved the stolen items, he initially left without issue, police said.

Minutes later, Tunnell returned, allegedly angered at the confrontation, and approached the two guards, who were both unarmed, police said. After they started arguing, Tunnell brandished a pocket knife and stabbed both men.

When officers arrived, they found Eric Harrison, 27, with a laceration to his neck, and the other guard with stab wounds to his face, groin, chest and back.

» READ MORE: Macy’s security guard who was stabbed to death is identified as Eric Harrison, 27

Both men were taken to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, where Harrison was pronounced dead. A GoFundMe, which has been verified, was started to help Harrison’s family with final expenses.

District Attorney Larry Krasner has charged Tunnell with murder, attempted murder, and related crimes.

When Macy’s reopened Wednesday, Ron Forster and his family were the first people to walk into the department store. Watching the light show, going through Dickens Village and seeing Santa Claus are all family traditions, said Forster, 65, of Jenkintown.

Monday’s incident gave the family some pause, he said. But, ultimately he came along with his grandson and step-grandson to see Santa, hesitant but determined to keep their family tradition alive.

“It’s a shame what happened and it feels bad for everybody. We did give some thought to not coming down but decided you know security is probably beefed up more than it probably was. We feel like we’ll be safe,” said Forster.

Inside the three-floor store, there appeared to be additional security in place, including two guards posted at a side entrance. And a number of uniformed Philadelphia police officers were on hand to bolster security, a Macy’s spokesperson said.

Visits with Santa Claus and tours of Dickens Village took place throughout the day, along with scheduled light shows in the historic building’s Grand Court at noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m., employees confirmed.

Charleen Bowe, 23, of New Jersey, said she was nervous visiting the store after Monday’s stabbing, but noticed increased security as she and a friend walked through.

“It’s just a store and you don’t expect something like that to happen in the store. So you’re still kind of glancing over your shoulder like ‘Oh man, could this happen to me,’” she said.