NEW YORK CITY — Pamela Cisneros, 49, of Queens, has been identified by New York City police following a deadly stabbing incident in Times Square on Monday, August 31, 2026, that left one person dead and another injured.
According to authorities, the incident unfolded near Seventh Avenue and West 41st and 42nd Streets shortly after 4:20 p.m. Police said a woman armed with two knives attacked two people in separate incidents occurring within approximately 20 seconds.
The 32-year-old female victim, identified as Erin Piacenti, was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. A 68-year-old man who was also stabbed was transported to the hospital and remained in stable condition.
Pamela Cisneros Identified by Police
Authorities identified Pamela Cisneros, a Queens resident, as the woman allegedly responsible for the Times Square stabbings.
Police said Cisneros was carrying two knives during the incident. Investigators described the attacks as apparently random and unprovoked, with no indication at this stage that the incident was terrorism-related.
The first victim was a 68-year-old man who had reportedly exited a subway station and was waiting to cross the street with his wife when he was attacked.
Police said Cisneros then moved along Seventh Avenue toward West 42nd Street, where she allegedly approached and stabbed the 32-year-old woman who was later identified as Erin Piacenti.
One Victim Dies, Another Remains Hospitalized
The stabbing left two victims requiring emergency medical treatment.
Erin Piacenti, 32, was transported to Bellevue Hospital after suffering stab wounds. She later died from her injuries.
The second victim, a 68-year-old man, was also taken to Bellevue Hospital. Authorities said he survived the attack and was in stable condition.
Piacenti's death has added a tragic dimension to the incident, leaving her family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones mourning her sudden loss.
Police Confront Cisneros in Times Square
Following the stabbings, police said Cisneros fled toward an NYPD substation in Times Square.
Officers confronted her while she was still armed with the knives. According to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, officers repeatedly ordered Cisneros to drop the weapons.
Police attempted to stop the confrontation without immediately using firearms, including deploying Tasers. Authorities said Cisneros refused to surrender the knives and continued advancing toward officers.
Officers subsequently fired their service weapons, striking Cisneros.
Pamela Cisneros Dies After Police Shooting
Cisneros was taken to Bellevue Hospital following the police shooting and was later pronounced dead, according to authorities.
The police-involved shooting is now subject to an investigation, as is standard following a fatal use-of-force incident. Body-worn camera footage from the encounter is expected to form part of the review.
Authorities have said the preliminary investigation does not indicate that the incident was terrorism-related.
Investigation Into Times Square Stabbing Continues
The NYPD continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stabbings and the subsequent police shooting.
Investigators are reviewing evidence from the scene and the officers' response. Two knives were recovered, according to police.
Authorities have also indicated that body-camera footage will be released as the investigation progresses.
Remembering the Victims
The incident has left one person dead and another injured, while the alleged attacker also died after the police confrontation.
Erin Piacenti, 32, is being remembered by those who knew her following her death. Reports indicate that she worked as a vice president at Bank of America and had an established professional career.
For her family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones, the circumstances surrounding her death have created a devastating and unexpected loss.
A Tragic Incident in Times Square
The fatal stabbing unfolded in the heart of Times Square, one of New York City's busiest public areas, during the afternoon of August 31.
Authorities described the attacks as random and unprovoked. The incident prompted a significant police and emergency response as officers worked to protect members of the public and address the threat.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the stabbings, the police response, and the events that led to the deaths.
