Panic and confusion gripped New York City's iconic Times Square on Monday afternoon after a woman armed with two knives stabbed two people in quick succession, killing one victim, before being shot dead by responding police officers.
The incident unfolded around 4:30 PM local time in a heavily trafficked pedestrian area, crowded with commuters, tourists, and families. According to the New York City Police Department (NYPD), 49-year-old Pamela Cisneros was identified as the assailant.
The Attack and Confrontation
Cisneros allegedly stabbed a 32-year-old woman and a 68-year-old man within a span of just 20 seconds. The female victim later succumbed to her injuries at a hospital, while the male victim, initially in critical condition, was later reported stable.
Police officers quickly confronted Cisneros near an NYPD substation. Authorities stated that she was carrying two knives and repeatedly ignored orders to drop them. Officers spent approximately four minutes attempting to de-escalate the situation, with Cisneros reportedly telling them, "I'm not dropping anything. I would rather kill both of you. I will kill you."
Despite officers deploying Tasers, which proved ineffective as Cisneros reportedly removed the devices, she continued to advance towards them while waving the knives. This led officers to open fire, striking her. Cisneros was transported to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Investigation Underway
The NYPD initially investigated the incident as a knifepoint robbery but later stated that they do not believe Cisneros had a clear motive. Authorities have not classified the attack as terrorism-related, describing the stabbings as random and unprovoked. Investigators noted that Cisneros had a documented mental health history and appeared to be emotionally disturbed.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed the media, confirming the details of the attack and thanking NYPD officers for their swift intervention, which he credited with preventing further harm. Mayor Mamdani also stated that an internal investigation into the officer-involved shooting would be conducted, a standard procedure, and that body-worn camera footage from the responding officers would be released to the public.
The incident left one victim dead, another injured, and the alleged attacker deceased, as investigators continue to examine the precise circumstances that led to the tragic events in the heart of Times Square.