A senior bank executive was stabbed to death by a knife-wielding woman in Times Square on Monday, as thousands of tourists visiting the iconic landmark watched in shock.
The victim was identified by Bank of America (BoA) on Tuesday as its 32-year-old vice president, Erin Piacenti.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague. She was a valued teammate who will be greatly missed,” the bank said.
The suspect, identified as Pamela Cisneros, was later shot dead by police after officers tried to subdue her, news agency IANS reported. Another man, who was stabbed earlier by the same woman, is in stable condition in a hospital, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the incident as “an extraordinarily dangerous situation unfolding in the heart of Times Square, the crossroads of the world”.
According to police, Cisneros was armed with two knives when officers confronted her. They tried to subdue her with a Taser, but it apparently did not work. Two officers subsequently shot her.
Police say attack was unprovoked, mental health history under focus
“During the encounter, she told the officers, ‘I’m not dropping anything, I’d rather kill both of you’. She repeated, ‘I will kill you’,” Tisch said.
Tisch called the attack unprovoked and said Cisneros had a history of mental health-related encounters with police.
Although Times Square has long been considered a potential target for terrorist attacks, officials indicated that terrorism was not a motive in the latest incident. Mental health issues could be a factor, they said.
The attack comes weeks after a teenage Australian tourist was stabbed to death in an unprovoked attack at a McDonald’s restaurant a few blocks from Times Square.
Random attacks linked to suspected mental health issues have been a recurring concern in New York City, even as violent crime has declined. In recent months, there have been several incidents involving people allegedly suffering from mental health problems attacking others or pushing people onto subway tracks.
Mamdani, who campaigned as a critic of police shootings, defended the officers’ actions in the Times Square incident.
Mamdani defends police action in Times Square attack
“Our officers did exactly what they’re trained to do,” he said.
During his campaign, Mamdani had proposed a system in which social workers and psychologists would respond to incidents involving people with mental health issues. However, he said such a response would not have been appropriate in the latest incident.
(With IANS inputs)
Bank of America VP stabbed to death in Times Square; suspect shot dead by police
