Erin Piacenti, a 32-year-old Bank of America vice president from Chester, New Jersey, was fatally stabbed in New York City’s Times Square on Monday, Aug. 31, 2026. She had returned to work the previous week after spending five months caring for her newborn daughter. A 68-year-old man was also wounded, while police fatally shot the woman accused of carrying out both attacks.
Police said the stabbings occurred near West 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue, shortly after the suspect allegedly attacked the man near West 41st Street. The suspect, identified as Pamela Cisneros, 49, of Queens, reportedly refused commands to drop two knives before advancing toward officers.
Officers used Tasers, but they failed to stop Cisneros, who was then shot by two officers. Investigators described the attack as random and unprovoked and said there was no indication it was connected to terrorism.
| 1) | The Times Square attack |
| 2) | The victim’s return to work |
| 3) | The police confrontation |
| 4) | The investigation and response |
| 5) | Piacenti’s family and professional legacy |
The Times Square attack
The violence began near West 41st Street in Manhattan when Cisneros allegedly approached a 68-year-old man who had just left a subway station and was waiting to cross the street with his wife. A witness told investigators that Cisneros removed two large knives from a red retail bag before attacking him.
Police said Cisneros then moved north along Seventh Avenue and stabbed Piacenti near West 42nd Street. New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the two attacks took place about 20 seconds apart. Piacenti was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The male victim was also transported there and was listed in stable condition.
The victim’s return to work
Piacenti was in her first week back at Bank of America after a five-month maternity leave. She had been caring for her newborn daughter and had recently shared family photographs, including images with her baby and husband, Frank Piacenti.
Her recent posts also referred to the child’s baptism and family travel during the leave. Bank of America confirmed her death and described her as a valued colleague.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague. She was a valued teammate who will be greatly missed.”
The police confrontation
After the stabbings, officers confronted Cisneros while she was still holding both knives. Tisch said the suspect ignored repeated orders to drop the weapons, leading to a standoff that lasted about four minutes.
When Cisneros advanced toward officers while waving the knives, police deployed Tasers. The devices did not stop her, and two officers fired their guns. Cisneros was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Police recovered the knives at the scene.
The investigation and response
The NYPD’s Force Investigation Division is reviewing the police shooting. City officials said body-worn camera footage from the encounter will be released. The department described the attack as random and unprovoked.
Police said Cisneros had documented mental health-related encounters with the NYPD in 2018 and 2019, but no prior arrest record with the department. Investigators said they had found no indication that the stabbing was terrorism-related. The circumstances leading to the attacks remain under investigation.
Piacenti’s family and professional legacy
Piacenti earned a law degree from Fordham University School of Law in 2021 alongside her husband. The university expressed heartbreak over the death of its former student.
Her death occurred as she was resuming her professional responsibilities after maternity leave, adding to the shock for her family, colleagues and former classmates. The case has brought renewed attention to the risks faced by people in a crowded public area during a rapidly unfolding violent incident.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Erin Piacenti, 32, died after being stabbed near West 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue. |
| 2 | A 68-year-old man was wounded and remained in stable condition. |
| 3 | Pamela Cisneros was fatally shot after Tasers failed to stop her. |
| 4 | Police said the attacks were random, unprovoked and not linked to terrorism. |
| 5 | A review of the police shooting and body-camera footage is pending. |
Summary
The Times Square stabbing killed a New Jersey mother and Bank of America executive during her first week back from maternity leave. Police said the suspect attacked two people within seconds, then advanced toward officers with two knives after refusing commands to surrender. The NYPD is reviewing the shooting, while Piacenti’s family, employer and former university mourn her death.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was killed in the Times Square attack?
Erin Piacenti, 32, of Chester, New Jersey, was killed. She was a Bank of America vice president who had recently returned from maternity leave.
Where did the stabbings occur?
Police said the attacks occurred near West 41st Street and near West 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue in Times Square.
What happened to the suspect?
Pamela Cisneros was shot by two officers after Tasers failed to stop her as she advanced while holding knives. She later died at Bellevue Hospital.
