A Times Square stabbing turned deadly Monday afternoon after two people were attacked in the busy Manhattan area, according to the NYPD.
One of the victims, identified as 32-year-old Erin Piacenti, later died at a hospital. A 68-year-old man was also stabbed and remained hospitalized in critical but stable condition.
Police identified the suspect as Pamela Cisneros, a 39-year-old woman from Queens. She was later shot by NYPD officers after police said she refused repeated commands to drop two knives.
What Happened in Times Square?
Police said the incident happened around 4:26 p.m. near West 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue.
According to investigators, Cisneros was allegedly carrying two knives and threatening people in the area. Police said she approached a 68-year-old man who had just exited the subway and was waiting to cross the street with his wife.
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The suspect allegedly pulled the knives from a bag and stabbed the man in the abdomen.
She then continued north toward Seventh Avenue and West 42nd Street, where police said she approached Piacenti.
Investigators said Piacenti was also stabbed in the abdomen in what police described as a random and unprovoked attack.
Both victims were taken to a hospital for treatment.
Erin Piacenti Dies After the Attack | Times Square Stabbing
Piacenti, 32, died at the hospital after suffering serious injuries in the stabbing.
She worked at Bank of America as a vice president in business selection and conflicts, according to information shared by the company and her public profile.
Bank of America expressed shock and sadness over her death and offered condolences to her family and loved ones.
Piacenti graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2016 and later attended Fordham Law School, graduating in 2021, according to her public profile.
Police Confront the Suspect
After the stabbings, police said Cisneros fled toward an NYPD substation in Times Square.
Officers confronted her and repeatedly ordered her to put down the knives.
According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, officers gave her numerous commands during the confrontation. Police said she refused to drop the weapons and made threats toward officers.
Officers used Tasers twice during the encounter.
Police then said two officers fired their service weapons, striking Cisneros.
She was taken to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Two Knives Recovered
Police recovered two knives from the scene, Commissioner Tisch said.
The weapons were taken as evidence as investigators continued examining the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Authorities have described the stabbings as random and unprovoked. A clear motive for the attack has not been publicly established.
Police also said Cisneros had a documented mental health history. That information alone does not establish a motive for the attack.
NYPD Investigation Underway
The police shooting is also being investigated.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the NYPD will conduct an internal investigation into the officers’ use of deadly force.
Body-worn camera footage from the incident is expected to be released to the public as the investigation continues.
Investigators are expected to review the events leading up to the stabbings, the confrontation between officers and the suspect, and the decision to use deadly force.
Latest Update on the Times Square Stabbing
The latest information shows that one victim, Erin Piacenti, died after the attack. The 68-year-old male victim survived and was reported to be in critical but stable condition.
The suspect also died after being shot by police.
The NYPD continues to investigate the stabbing and police shooting. Officials have not announced a clear motive for the attack.
The incident has drawn attention because it happened in Times Square, one of New York City’s busiest and most heavily visited areas.
As investigators review evidence and body-camera footage, additional details may become available.
