Woman killed in Times Square stabbing, suspect shot dead by police

A woman was fatally stabbed and another individual injured in an unprovoked attack in New York City's Times Square on Monday, August 31, 2026. The incident occurred in the afternoon near a police substation, where the assailant, identified as Pamela Cisneros, attacked two people with knives she produced from a shopping bag.

The deceased victim was identified as 32-year-old Erin Piacenti of New Jersey. A 68-year-old man was also stabbed and is currently in stable condition at the hospital. Following the stabbings, police confronted Cisneros, 49, of Queens, who refused commands to drop her weapons and allegedly threatened officers. Officers then fired upon Cisneros, fatally wounding her.

Authorities have characterized the event as a random and unprovoked double stabbing, noting that Cisneros had a documented history of mental health issues with the NYPD, though no prior arrests. The police response, including the fatal shooting, was captured on body cameras and is subject to standard investigation.