NEW YORK: Bank of America vice president Erin Piacenti was killed in a stabbing attack in New York City’s Times Square after a woman allegedly attacked two people with large knives before being shot by police.
The incident unfolded on Monday afternoon near West 41st Street and Seventh Avenue, one of Manhattan’s busiest areas.
Police identified the suspect as 49-year-old Pamela Cisneros of Queens. According to authorities, she allegedly pulled two large knives from a red shopping bag and attacked a 68-year-old man who had just emerged from a subway station.
The man was stabbed in the abdomen while he was waiting to cross the street with his wife. He was taken to Bellevue Hospital and was reported to be in stable condition.
About 20 seconds later, Cisneros allegedly moved up Seventh Avenue and stabbed another person in the abdomen.
The second victim was identified as 32-year-old Erin Piacenti, a vice president at Bank of America. She was rushed to Bellevue Hospital but later died from her injuries.
Bank of America described Piacenti as a valued colleague and offered condolences to her family.
Police shoot suspect after Times Square stabbing
Following the attacks, police confronted Cisneros near the NYPD’s Times Square substation.
Officers reportedly spent around four minutes ordering her to put down the knives, but she refused to comply.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the woman told officers, “I’m not dropping anything. I would rather kill both of you,” before repeatedly threatening to kill them.
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Officers used Tasers in an attempt to stop her, but the devices failed to subdue her.
Two officers then opened fire after Cisneros advanced toward them while still holding the knives.
She was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Police say attack appeared random
Authorities said the stabbing appeared to be random and unprovoked and found no indication that it was connected to terrorism.
Police said Cisneros had a documented history of mental health-related incidents involving the NYPD in 2018 and 2019, although she had no prior arrests.
The police shooting is also under investigation.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said body-camera footage showing the confrontation would be released.
The incident has renewed attention on public safety in Times Square, where millions of residents and tourists pass through each year.
