The woman killed in Monday’s random stabbing attack in Times Square has been identified as 32-year-old Erin Piacenti of Chester, New Jersey.
Piacenti was stabbed near West 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue during what NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch described as a “random and unprovoked” attack. She was taken to a hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
Police identified the suspected attacker as Pamela Cisneros of Queens. According to investigators, Cisneros first stabbed a 68-year-old man who had just exited the subway and was waiting to cross the street with his wife.
Seconds later, police say Cisneros approached Piacenti and stabbed her in the abdomen before moving toward the NYPD substation in Times Square.
The 68-year-old victim remains hospitalized but is now listed in critical but stable condition.
Police said Cisneros continued to hold two large kitchen knives as officers confronted her. Officers repeatedly ordered her to drop the weapons and attempted to use Tasers twice.
According to Commissioner Tisch, Cisneros refused to surrender the knives and threatened officers before advancing toward them. Two NYPD officers then opened fire.
Cisneros was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Two knives were recovered from the scene.
Video recorded during the confrontation circulated widely on social media and shows the armed woman facing officers in the middle of Times Square before police opened fire.
Authorities said Cisneros had a documented history of mental health incidents. Police have said there is currently no indication that the attack was connected to terrorism.
Piacenti worked as a vice president at Bank of America, where she oversaw business selection and conflicts. Bank of America said it was deeply saddened by her death and described her as a valued colleague.
Her death gives the Times Square attack a direct New Jersey connection. Piacenti lived in Chester, Morris County, before being killed in one of Manhattan’s busiest tourist districts.
The NYPD is continuing to investigate both the stabbing and the police shooting. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has said body-camera footage from the police encounter will be released.
Sources: ABC7 New York, Reuters, News 12 New Jersey, Associated Press
By NJ RADAR Team
[…] Pamela Cisneros, 49, of Queens, was shot and killed by NYPD officers Sunday after police say she stabbed two people during what investigators have described as a random and unprovoked attack. One of the victims, 32-year-old Erin Piacenti of Chester, New Jersey, later died from her injuries. A 68-year-old man was also stabbed and survived. […]