Double stabbing in Times Square leaves one dead, suspect shot by police
Quick Look
- A 32-year-old woman was killed and another victim hospitalized in a double stabbing in Times Square, New York, on Monday afternoon.
- The female suspect, armed with two knives, was shot by police and later pronounced dead.
- The deceased victim was identified as Erin Piacenti, a Bank of America employee.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The incident occurred in Times Square, a major commercial and tourist hub in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The attack took place during late afternoon hours on a Monday, when the area is typically busy with pedestrians and commuters.
A 32-year-old woman has been killed and another victim is in hospital following a double stabbing in Times Square, New York late on Monday afternoon.
The suspect, a woman wielding two knives, was shot by police. All three people were taken to hospital, where the female victim and the suspect were later pronounced dead, Mayor Zohran Mamdani told a news conference.
The deceased victim was later identified as Erin Piacenti, a Bank of America employee. The male victim remains in a stable condition.
New York Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the attack as "unprovoked" and said the stabbings took place 20 seconds apart.
Citing preliminary information, Tisch said the NYPD call centre received several 911 calls at approximately 16:24 local time (21:00 BST) reporting a woman armed with two knives was stabbing people along Seventh Avenue in Times Square.
Police believe the incident began near West 41st Street and Seventh Ave, in Midtown Manhattan.
The suspect approached a man who had just exited the subway and was standing with his wife waiting to cross the street, Tisch told a news conference.
"A witness at the scene told investigators that he observed the subject remove two knives from a red Target bag before approaching the first victim.
"The subject waved the knives before stabbing a 68-year-old man in the right side of his abdomen, in what appears to be a random and unprovoked attack."
The 68-year-old was taken to Bellevue Hospital and is now stable.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The NYPD will release further details about the suspect's background and possible motives as the investigation progresses.
Likely · Within days
The male victim will continue to receive medical treatment and is expected to recover from his injuries.
Very likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What was the motive behind the attack?
- Was the suspect known to law enforcement prior to the incident?
- What type of knives were used in the stabbing?
- Was there any prior interaction between the suspect and the victims?
