Woman Killed and Man Injured in Times Square Stabbing; Suspect Fatally Shot by Police
A violent stabbing in the heart of Times Square left one woman dead, another person injured, and the suspect dead after police officers responded to the attack.
The incident happened in one of New York City’s busiest public areas, where police said a woman armed with knives attacked two people in what authorities described as a random and unprovoked incident. The attack brought a major police response to the crowded Midtown area as officers worked to secure the scene and assist the victims.
The woman who died was identified as Erin Piacenti, 32, of Chester, New Jersey. Police said she was taken to a hospital after being stabbed but later died from her injuries. A second victim, a 68-year-old man, was also injured in the attack and was hospitalized. He was reported to be in critical but stable condition.
The suspect, identified by police as Pamela Cisneros, 49, of Queens, was later fatally shot by NYPD officers after a confrontation near an NYPD substation in Times Square. Authorities said the investigation into the stabbing and police shooting remains ongoing.
Two victims were attacked in the middle of Times Square.
According to police, the attack unfolded near West 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue, an area that regularly sees heavy foot traffic from New Yorkers, tourists, workers, and visitors.
Police said Cisneros allegedly stabbed two people during the incident. The first victim was a 68-year-old man who was attacked before Piacenti was stabbed nearby. Authorities said the two attacks happened within a short period of time.
The male victim was taken to a hospital following the stabbing. Officials said he remained in critical but stable condition.
Piacenti was also transported for medical care but later died. Her death brought a tragic end to what police described as a sudden and random attack in one of the city’s most recognizable locations.
Police said investigators do not believe the attack was connected to terrorism. Authorities have described the incident as random and unprovoked.
The attack’s location made the incident especially alarming for many residents and visitors. Times Square is one of the city’s busiest public spaces, with thousands of people passing through the area each day.
Police respond after suspect remains armed.
After the stabbings, police said officers encountered Cisneros near an NYPD substation in Times Square.
Authorities said Cisneros was still holding knives when officers approached her. Police said officers gave commands for her to drop the weapons before the situation escalated.
According to police officials, officers attempted to stop the situation using less-lethal methods before using their firearms. Authorities said Tasers were deployed, but the attempts were not successful.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said officers then fired after the suspect moved toward them while armed with knives. Cisneros was taken to a hospital, where she later died.
Police recovered knives from the scene following the confrontation.
The NYPD is investigating the circumstances surrounding the police shooting. Officials said they will review the incident, including the officers’ actions during the confrontation.
The attack draws attention to safety in public spaces.
The violence has raised concerns about safety in crowded public areas where large numbers of people gather every day.
Times Square is known as a major destination for entertainment, tourism, and transportation. The area attracts visitors from around the world while also serving as a workplace and travel route for many New Yorkers.
When violence happens in such a visible location, it often creates broader conversations about how police and emergency responders handle fast-moving situations in crowded environments.
For people who work in or visit Midtown Manhattan, the incident has reminded them that emergencies can unfold quickly in busy public spaces.
Officials have expressed concern for the victims and their families following the attack. Mayor Zohran Mamdani also addressed the incident and the police response.
The focus now remains on understanding the full timeline of events and supporting those affected by the violence.
Investigation continues into deadly incident.
Authorities continue investigating what happened before, during, and after the stabbings.
Police have identified the victims and suspect, but officials have not released every detail about the events leading up to the attack.
Investigators are reviewing evidence from the scene as part of the ongoing case. The police shooting is also being examined as part of the standard review process for incidents involving officers using deadly force.
The NYPD said it will release additional information as the investigation continues.
The death of Erin Piacenti has left family members and community members mourning after the attack took place in the middle of Manhattan.
The incident has also drawn attention because it involved both a deadly stabbing and a police shooting in a highly visible public location.
For New Yorkers, the case highlights the challenges involved in responding to unpredictable acts of violence while protecting people in crowded areas.
What happens next
As investigators continue their work, officials are expected to provide additional details about the attack and the police response.
The NYPD will continue reviewing the actions of officers involved in the confrontation with Cisneros. The department has said the investigation remains active.
For residents and visitors, the incident has created a difficult moment for a city that depends on busy public spaces like Times Square remaining safe and accessible.
The case will continue to develop as authorities complete their review and release more information. For now, officials are focused on the victims, the investigation, and determining the full sequence of events that led to the deadly encounter.
