A Bank of America vice president was fatally stabbed in New York City’s Times Square Monday afternoon in what police described as a random and unprovoked attack that also left another man injured.
Erin Piacenti, 32, was identified as the woman who died after being attacked near Seventh Avenue and West 42nd Street. She was taken to Bellevue Hospital but later succumbed to her injuries. Bank of America confirmed her death and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of its colleague.
Police identified the suspect as 49-year-old Pamela Cisneros of Queens. Authorities said Cisneros was carrying two knives when she allegedly first attacked a 68-year-old man before moving toward Piacenti and stabbing her. The male victim was hospitalized and remained in stable condition.
According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, officers confronted Cisneros shortly after the attacks. Police said officers repeatedly ordered her to drop the knives during an encounter that lasted several minutes.
Authorities said Cisneros refused to comply and threatened the officers. Multiple officers then attempted to stop her with Tasers, but the devices were unsuccessful as she continued advancing while holding the knives. Two officers subsequently fired their weapons, killing Cisneros.
Police said Cisneros had previous mental-health-related encounters with the NYPD but no known arrest record. Investigators have not indicated that the attack was terrorism-related, and a motive has not been established.
Piacenti was a vice president at Bank of America and had earned a law degree from Fordham Law School. Her death has prompted condolences from colleagues and the university community.
The incident occurred in one of New York City’s busiest tourist destinations, just steps from a Times Square police station. The NYPD’s Force Investigation Division is reviewing the police shooting, while body-camera footage is expected to play a role in the investigation.
The tragedy has left two families grieving and renewed attention on public safety in one of the world’s most heavily visited areas.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack and the subsequent police shooting.
