Bank of America Vice President Killed in Random Times Square Knife Attack

A Bank of America vice president was fatally stabbed during a shocking daytime attack in New York City’s Times Square, authorities said.

The victim, identified as 32-year-old Erin Piacenti of Chester, New Jersey, was attacked Monday afternoon near West 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue in one of Manhattan’s busiest areas.

Piacenti worked as a vice president of business selection and conflicts at Bank of America. She was rushed to a nearby hospital after the stabbing but later died from her injuries.

Two People Stabbed in Seconds

According to the New York Police Department, officers received multiple calls about a disorderly person in the area shortly before the attack.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the suspect stabbed two people in roughly 20 seconds.

Piacenti was seriously injured in the confrontation, while a 68-year-old male pedestrian was also stabbed. The man survived and remained hospitalized in stable condition.

Investigators described the attack as seemingly random, with no immediate indication that Piacenti knew her attacker.

Suspect Confronted by NYPD Officers

Police identified the suspect as 49-year-old Pamela Cisneros of Queens.

After the stabbing, Cisneros reportedly fled several blocks before officers located and confronted her. Police spent approximately four minutes attempting to persuade her to drop the weapons she was carrying.

According to authorities, Cisneros refused to comply and threatened the officers, saying, “I’m not dropping anything. I would rather kill both of you.”

Officers initially deployed a Taser, but it failed to stop Cisneros from advancing.

Police then fired their weapons, striking the suspect. Cisneros was taken to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

Police Investigating Possible Mental Health History

Investigators said Cisneros had a documented history involving mental health concerns with the department.

Authorities have not indicated that the attack was connected to terrorism.

The incident remains under investigation as detectives work to establish what led to the confrontation and the events that preceded the stabbing.

Bank of America Mourns Employee

Bank of America expressed shock and sadness following Piacenti’s death.

The company said she was a valued colleague and extended its condolences to her family, friends and loved ones.

The deadly attack has also prompted renewed concern about public safety in Times Square, one of New York City’s most heavily visited and crowded locations.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani offered condolences to the victims’ families while praising the rapid response of NYPD officers who intervened during the incident.