Officers shoot woman after Times Square stabbing
New York City police fatally shot a woman on Monday after she allegedly stabbed two people in Times Square, killing one, in what authorities described as a "random and unprovoked" attack.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch identified the suspect as 49-year-old Pamela Cisneros of Queens, according to reports. Authorities said Cisneros approached a 68-year-old man and stabbed him in the abdomen before stabbing a woman in the stomach moments later.
The female victim, a 32-year-old woman, was seriously wounded in the stomach and later died at a hospital, according to reports. The male victim was listed in stable condition at Bellevue Hospital.
The stabbing spree lasted around 20 seconds in the heart of Times Square, authorities said. The attack occurred in a packed area with thousands of visitors, families, and commuters, according to officials.
Confrontation and shooting
Police confronted Cisneros, who was carrying two knives, and spent about four minutes trying to persuade her to drop them. According to Tisch, Cisneros told officers: "I'm not dropping anything, I would rather kill both of you."
Officers attempted to subdue her with stun guns, but authorities said she continued moving towards them while carrying the knives. Two officers then opened fire.
Cisneros and both stabbing victims were taken to Bellevue Hospital. Cisneros and the female victim were pronounced dead, while the male victim was listed in stable condition.
Body-camera footage captured the confrontation and shooting, police said.
Official statements
Tisch described the incident as "extraordinarily dangerous" and noted that Cisneros had a "documented mental health history with the NYPD."
Mayor Zohran Mamdani defended the officers' response while acknowledging the shooting would be investigated. "I want to thank the NYPD officers who stepped in and prevented a horrific attack from becoming even worse," Mamdani said.
Police said there is no evidence of terrorism links at this stage.