32-year-old New Jersey woman killed and 68-year-old man wounded in what police describe as a random, unprovoked attack
Sadia J. Choudhury:
— A violent knife attack in the heart of Times Square on Monday afternoon left a 32-year-old woman dead and a 68-year-old man injured before New York City police officers fatally shot the alleged attacker.
The incident unfolded shortly after 4:20 p.m. on August 31 near Seventh Avenue and West 41st Street, one of Manhattan’s busiest tourist areas.
Police identified the alleged attacker as 49-year-old Pamela Cisneros of Queens. Investigators said she was armed with two knives and attacked two people in separate incidents just seconds apart.
Two Victims Attacked Within Seconds
According to investigators, the first victim was a 68-year-old man who had just exited the subway and was standing with his wife while waiting to cross the street.
Police said Cisneros pulled two large knives from a red shopping bag, waved them and then allegedly stabbed the man in the abdomen.
She then continued north along Seventh Avenue and allegedly approached a 32-year-old woman, stabbing her in the abdomen as well. Police said the two attacks occurred approximately 20 seconds apart.
The female victim was rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where she later died from her injuries. Authorities identified her as Erin Piacenti, 32, of Chester, New Jersey.
The male victim was also taken to Bellevue Hospital and was reported to be in stable condition.
Police Confront Suspect Near Times Square Substation
After the stabbings, Cisneros continued toward the NYPD substation near One Times Square.
Witnesses alerted officers, who confronted her while she was still holding both knives.
According to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, officers spent approximately four minutes attempting to persuade Cisneros to drop the weapons. Police said she repeatedly refused to comply and made threats toward the officers.
Officers deployed Tasers in an attempt to stop her, but the devices were unsuccessful.
Police said Cisneros then advanced toward the officers while still armed with the knives. Two officers subsequently fired their service weapons, striking her.
Cisneros was transported to Bellevue Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Two Knives Recovered
Investigators recovered two knives believed to have been involved in the attack.
The police-involved shooting was captured on officers’ body-worn cameras. City officials said the footage will be reviewed as part of the required investigation into the use of deadly force.
The NYPD also launched an internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Police Say Attack Appears Random
Authorities have described the stabbings as random and unprovoked. At this stage, investigators have found no indication that the attack was terrorism-related.
Police said Cisneros had a documented history of mental-health-related incidents involving the NYPD in 2018 and 2019, although authorities said she had no known prior arrest history.
Investigators continue to examine what led to the attack and whether any additional factors contributed to the incident.
Deadly Violence in the Heart of Manhattan
The attack occurred in one of New York City’s most heavily visited areas, where thousands of tourists, commuters, workers and families can be present at any given time.
The incident prompted a major police response, temporary street closures and a large emergency presence around Seventh Avenue and Times Square.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed condolences to the victims and their families and said the police shooting would be subject to a full investigation.
Police officials also emphasized that officers were faced with an armed suspect in a crowded public area and were required to respond to what they described as an immediate threat.
Investigation Continues
Authorities are reviewing surveillance video, witness statements and body-worn camera footage to establish the complete sequence of events.
The death of Erin Piacenti has added to concerns about public safety in one of New York City’s most iconic public spaces, while the investigation into both the stabbing attacks and the police use of deadly force remains ongoing.
One innocent life was lost, another person was seriously injured, and the alleged attacker was killed by police—all within minutes in the middle of Times Square.
