New Details in the Times Square Attack in New York

The identity of the person who died in the knife attack that took place on Monday in New York's world‑famous Times Square area has been established. Police said the victim was 32‑year‑old Erin Piacenti, a resident of Chester, New Jersey. Piacenti was reported to work for Bank of America.

Attacked Two People with a Knife

According to police statements, 49‑year‑old Pamela Cisneros attacked Piacenti and a 68‑year‑old man in Times Square with two knives she grabbed. Piacenti was wounded in the abdomen by the knife blows and lost his life. It was reported that there was no known connection or dispute between the parties before the attack.

Police Tried to Persuade for 4 Minutes

NYPD officers who arrived at the scene spoke with Cisneros for about four minutes to get her to drop the knives. Police officials said the woman refused to drop her weapons and threatened the officers' lives.

New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch reported that during the interview, Cisneros told the officers, 'I will not give up anything. I will kill both of you.' and then repeated the threat, 'I will kill you.'

Taser Ineffective, Police Opened Fire

Despite police units deploying multiple Tasers, the intervention was deemed ineffective. Officials said that when Cisneros advanced on officers with knives, two police officers opened fire. Cisneros was shot and killed on the scene.

The NYPD announced that knives used in the attack were found on the scene and that the investigation is being conducted by the Force Investigation Division.

Condolence Message from Bank of America

Speaking on behalf of Bank of America, John Yiannacopoulos said that Piacenti's death caused great sorrow among company employees. The statement noted that Piacenti was a valued colleague and that condolences were sent to his family and close ones.

Fordham University also issued a statement following Piacenti's death. According to the university, Erin [Guiltinan] Piacenti and her husband Frank graduated in 2021 and were among the valued members of the Fordham Law community. The university conveyed its condolences to the family and those who knew Piacenti.

Injured Man's Condition Stable

It was reported that the 68‑year‑old Rhode Island resident who was injured in the attack is still receiving treatment in hospital and his health condition is stable. Police sources said that the man was with his wife and that after visiting his son who lives in Brooklyn, they set out to return home.

According to sources, the injured man had no connection to Cisneros. No information was found that a dispute had taken place between the parties before the attack.

Tension in Times Square

After the attack, on Tuesday morning, tourists and local residents in Times Square felt the impact of the incident. According to a CBS News report, a student in the area named Reya Patel said that learning about what happened frightened him and that he did not expect such an event to occur in the middle of Times Square.

Attacker's Past Under Investigation

Police announced that Cisneros, who has a connection to the Jackson Heights, Queens area, had a previously documented mental health history with the NYPD. According to officials, there were two incident records involving Cisneros in 2018 and 2019, but no arrests were made in those incidents.

Witness Max Weinbrown said that efforts to prevent mental health problems from leading to more serious outcomes should continue.

Police Body Camera Footage to Be Released

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that the armed intervention by police officers was recorded by body cameras. Mamdani said the footage would be released to the public at a later date.