Macy's security guard stabbed to death in horrific Christmas shopping attack

Authorities said the shoplifter returned to the store around 15 minutes later and attacked the guards with a knife.

One of the guards was killed and another was hospitalised in the incident.

The suspect was caught by Philadelphia police at Somerset Station after fleeing the scene on a train.

Macy's department store is located across from City Hall in Center City.

Police said the suspect dropped a knife on a train platform after fleeing the scene.

Police officials said the suspect was taken into custody at Somerset station around noon and was positively identified by a witness.

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Philadelphia Police Department commissioner John Stanford said in a press briefing: "When the male comes back into store, he immediately goes straight towards one of the security guards, and then redirects his attention to a second security guard, runs directly to that security guard with a knife already exposed and begins to stab him.

"There's a couple with the second security guard trying to save the first guard that's stabbed, and that security guard sustains several stab wounds, as well.

"Both victims were taken to the hospital, where one of the guards was pronounced dead around 11.20am."

The identities of the Macy's security guards have not been disclosed.

However, it was revealed that the guard who tragically lost his life was a 30 year old man. He suffered a fatal stab wound to the neck.

The second guard, a 23 year old man, was stabbed in the face and left arm, according to the police. He is currently stable in hospital.

The investigation into the incident continues.