Times Square Stabbing Incident: Details and Developments

Authorities have identified the victim of a fatal stabbing in Times Square. Erin Piacenti, a 32-year-old from Chester, New Jersey, was attacked in the abdomen. She succumbed to her injuries at a nearby hospital shortly after the incident occurred on Monday afternoon near 41st Street and Seventh Avenue.

Law enforcement indicates more information regarding Piacenti will be available on Tuesday. Officials report that Pamela Cisneros, a 49-year-old woman from Queens, was responsible for the attack. Police fatally shot Cisneros after she stabbed Piacenti and injured a 68-year-old man. The man, who had just exited the subway with his wife, was stabbed in the side and taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he is recovering.

A witness stated that Cisneros retrieved the knives from a red Target bag before confronting the couple. After waving the weapons, she attacked the man and then moved a block to assault Piacenti. The stabbings occurred approximately 20 seconds apart and are considered random without any links to terrorism.

Police sources report that Cisneros had a documented history of mental health issues, but no criminal record. Following the stabbings, Cisneros continued up Seventh Avenue, encountering police between 42nd and 43rd streets. Despite being instructed to drop her weapons over a four-minute period, she refused.

Officers attempted to subdue Cisneros using stun guns, but these efforts were reportedly ineffective. As she advanced toward them, officers opened fire. Cisneros was transported to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Two knives allegedly used in the attacks were recovered at the scene.

In response to the tragedy, Tisch expressed, “Tonight, our thoughts are, of course, with the victims of this horrific attack and their families. One life cut far too short by a senseless act of violence.”