A woman accused of stabbing two people in Times Square was shot by New York City police after allegedly advancing toward officers with two knives, authorities said. The incident unfolded shortly before 4:30 p.m. Monday near West 43rd Street and Seventh Avenue. Officers deployed a Taser before opening fire, according to police. The two stabbing victims and the suspect were taken to hospitals, with their conditions not immediately available.
Authorities described the suspect as emotionally disturbed and said the incident did not appear to be terror-related. Police urged the public to avoid the area while investigators worked at the scene, warning that delays were likely in surrounding streets.
| 1) | Stabbings reported in Times Square |
| 2) | Police encounter the armed suspect |
| 3) | Suspect and victims hospitalized |
| 4) | Police investigate the shooting |
| 5) | Public warned of closures and delays |
Stabbings reported in Times Square
The violence was reported Monday afternoon in the heart of Times Square, near the intersection of West 43rd Street and Seventh Avenue. Police said a woman stabbed a male victim and a female victim before leaving the immediate area. The attack occurred in one of Manhattan’s busiest pedestrian districts, prompting a significant police response.
The circumstances leading to the alleged stabbings were not immediately released. Authorities confirmed that two people were injured and that investigators were examining what happened before the suspect fled north.
Police encounter the armed suspect
According to police, the woman moved north toward an NYPD substation after the alleged stabbings. Officers encountered her while she was carrying two knives, authorities said. The officers first used a Taser in an effort to stop her without resorting to gunfire.
Police said the suspect continued advancing toward the officers while armed. Officers then opened fire and struck her. The sequence of events, including the distance between the suspect and officers and the number of shots fired, remained under investigation.
Suspect and victims hospitalized
The two people who were allegedly stabbed and the suspect were transported to hospitals after the incident. Authorities had not released their medical conditions by the time of the initial reports. No information was immediately provided about the identities of those involved.
It was also not immediately clear whether any NYPD officers were injured. Further medical updates and investigative findings were expected as officials reviewed the incident.
Police investigate the shooting
The police-involved shooting brought investigators to the area as officers secured the scene and reviewed the events surrounding the confrontation. Authorities said the incident did not appear to be connected to terrorism, though the investigation remained active.
Police were expected to provide additional information at a news conference later Monday. Officials had not announced any criminal charges or detailed the evidence that could establish the motive for the alleged attack.
Public warned of closures and delays
The NYPD advised residents, workers and visitors to avoid West 43rd Street and Seventh Avenue while investigators processed the scene. Authorities warned that traffic and pedestrian delays could affect nearby streets and businesses.
Because the incident occurred in a heavily traveled entertainment and commercial district, the police operation had the potential to disrupt movement beyond the immediate intersection. Officials said members of the public should follow police directions while the investigation continued.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Two people were allegedly stabbed near West 43rd Street and Seventh Avenue. |
| 2 | Police said the suspect was carrying two knives when officers confronted her. |
| 3 | A Taser was deployed before officers shot the suspect. |
| 4 | The two victims and the suspect were hospitalized, with conditions unavailable. |
Summary
The incident left three people hospitalized and prompted a police investigation in central Times Square. Authorities said officers attempted to use a Taser before shooting a woman who allegedly continued toward them with two knives. The motive, medical conditions of those involved and any potential charges had not been established in the initial reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the incident occur?
The alleged stabbings and subsequent police shooting occurred near West 43rd Street and Seventh Avenue in Times Square.
How did police respond?
Police said officers first deployed a Taser. When the woman allegedly continued advancing while holding two knives, officers opened fire and struck her.
Were people hospitalized?
Yes. The two alleged stabbing victims and the female suspect were taken to hospitals. Their conditions were not immediately available.