A woman carrying two knives stabbed two people “in the heart” of busy Times Square in about 20 seconds on Monday afternoon, killing one, before police shot and killed her after a tense four-minute standoff, officials said.
The first victim, a 32-year-old woman, was stabbed in the abdomen and pronounced dead at a hospital. The second victim, a 68-year-old man, was also stabbed in the abdomen in what appeared to be a “random and unprovoked attack,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said, though he is currently in stable condition.
The victims and perpetrator were taken to Bellevue Hospital, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said.
The stabbing took place on Seventh Avenue in one of the busiest pedestrian areas in the world, where Tisch said thousands of commuters, families and tourists were nearby.
Tisch said officers engaged with 49-year-old Pamela Cisneros for four minutes, giving her “numerous commands to drop the knives,” which she refused. Authorities then discharged Tasers, which were ineffective, before turning to their firearms.
“I’m not dropping anything,” Cisneros said, according to Tisch. “I would rather kill both of you. I will kill you.”
Cisneros, who has a documented mental health history with the NYPD, stabbed both victims within approximately 20 seconds, according to Tisch.
“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,” Tisch said.
Mamdani said there will be an internal investigation and body camera footage will eventually 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.
This story has been updated with additional information.