A woman stabbed two people in New York’s Times Square on Monday afternoon, killing one, before police shot her dead after a tense four‑minute confrontation, officials said.
The attack unfolded in about 20 seconds on Seventh Avenue, in the heart of one of the world’s busiest pedestrian zones. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said thousands of commuters, families and tourists were nearby when the assailant struck.
The first victim, a 32‑year‑old woman, was stabbed in the abdomen and later pronounced dead at a hospital. The second victim, a 68‑year‑old man, was also stabbed in the abdomen in what Tisch described as a “random and unprovoked attack.” He is in stable condition.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani said both victims and the perpetrator were taken to Bellevue Hospital.
Police identified the attacker as 49‑year‑old Pamela Cisneros, who has a documented mental health history with the NYPD.
Tisch said officers engaged her for four minutes, issuing repeated commands to drop the knives. When she refused, Tasers were deployed but proved ineffective. Officers then opened fire.
According to Tisch, Cisneros said, “I’m not dropping anything. I would rather kill both of you. I will kill you.”
Tisch said Cisneros stabbed both victims within approximately 20 seconds. “Our officers did exactly what they’re trained to do, and that is to protect themselves when a perpetrator, in this case a woman, is coming at them armed with and waving two knives,” she added.
Mamdani said an internal investigation is underway and body camera footage will be released to the public.
“There are family members and loved ones who are now confronting the unimaginable loss, and our hearts are with them,” Tisch said.
