Authorities have released the identity of the woman who was killed in a stabbing incident in Times Square on Monday afternoon. Erin Piacenti, a 32-year-old resident of Chester, New Jersey, was stabbed in the abdomen. She succumbed to her injuries shortly after being transported to a hospital.
The attacker, identified as Pamela Cisneros, a 49-year-old woman from Queens, was shot dead by police after the incident. Cisneros also stabbed a 68-year-old man, who was with his wife near the subway. This man is currently recovering at Bellevue Hospital.
The attacks, which law enforcement sources believe were random and unprovoked, occurred near 41st Street and Seventh Avenue. A witness reported seeing Cisneros extract the knives from a red Target bag before attacking.
Following the stabbings, Cisneros proceeded uptown on Seventh Avenue and encountered police officers between 42nd and 43rd streets. Despite their commands for her to drop the knives, she refused. Officers used stun guns on her, but they appeared ineffective. As Cisneros advanced toward them, two officers discharged their firearms, leading to her being taken to a hospital, where she died.
Cisneros had a documented history of mental health issues but had never had a criminal record. Both knives used in the attacks were retrieved from the scene.
Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell expressed condolences, stating, “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this tragic time.” Additional information about the victims was expected to be released following the incident.