Knife-wielding woman kills 1, wounds another in Times Square before being shot dead by police, mayor says

Times Square Stabbing: What Happened on Monday Afternoon

Healfromzero.com – A knife wielding woman kills 1 and wounds another in the heart of Manhattan’s most iconic intersection before officers shoot her dead, according to officials who described a roughly 20-second assault followed by a four-minute armed standoff. The incident unfolded on Seventh Avenue in Times Square on Monday afternoon, a stretch of sidewalk where thousands of commuters, families, and tourists were walking within feet of the victims.

The first victim, 32-year-old Erin Piacenti of Chester, New Jersey, was stabbed in the abdomen and later pronounced dead at a hospital. Piacenti held the title of Vice President at Bank of America and was heading home from work when the attack struck, a law enforcement official told CNN. The second victim, a 68-year-old man, also received an abdominal stab wound and was listed in stable condition. Both victims and the perpetrator were transported to Bellevue Hospital, Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch characterized the assault as a “random and unprovoked attack,” noting that the two victims were struck within approximately 20 seconds of each other. Tisch emphasized that the location was one of the busiest pedestrian corridors in the world, making the proximity of bystanders a factor in how quickly officers responded.

Police Standoff and Use of Force

Officers engaged 49-year-old Pamela Cisneros for four minutes after the stabbing, issuing what Tisch described as “numerous commands to drop the knives.” Cisneros refused. Tasers were deployed and proved ineffective, prompting officers to draw their firearms. According to Tisch, Cisneros told officers, “I’m not dropping anything,” and added, “I would rather kill both of you. I will kill you.”

“Our officers did exactly what they’re trained to do, and that is to protect themselves when a perpetrator, in this case, a woman, is coming at them armed with and waving two knives,” Tisch said.

Tisch noted that Cisneros had a documented mental health history with the NYPD. The commissioner added that family members and loved ones were “confronting the unimaginable loss” and that the department’s hearts were with them.

Family Statements and Official Response

Mario Cisneros, the perpetrator’s father, spoke to CNN affiliate WABC about his daughter’s ongoing mental health treatment. He said her condition appeared to deteriorate after the birth of one of her children and stressed that she was not a violent person. He had seen her just a week before the attack and recalled her appearing fine.

Mayor Mamdani announced that an internal investigation would be launched and that body-camera footage would eventually be made available to the public. A Bank of America spokesman issued a statement mourning Piacenti’s death: “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague. She was a valued teammate who will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to her family and all of her loved ones.”

Authorities have not yet released a full timeline of the knife wielding woman kills 1 and wounds another sequence beyond the approximate 20-second window Tisch described. Additional details, including the full body-camera record, are expected as the internal review proceeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the Times Square stabbing take place? The attack occurred on Seventh Avenue in Times Square, one of the highest-traffic pedestrian zones in the world. Both victims and the suspect were taken to Bellevue Hospital.

What happened during the police standoff? Officers gave Cisneros multiple commands to surrender the knives over four minutes. Tasers were used first but did not subdue her. Officers then fired their weapons and killed her.

What is known about the suspect’s background? Pamela Cisneros, 49, had a documented mental health history with the NYPD. Her father said she had been receiving treatment and that her condition worsened after a child’s birth. An internal investigation and release of body-camera footage are expected.

What is the condition of the surviving victim? The 68-year-old man who was stabbed in the abdomen was reported in stable condition following the incident.