Erin Piacenti, a 32-year-old Bank of America vice president from Chester, New Jersey, was identified as the woman killed in a random stabbing attack in Times Square, New York City, on August 31, 2026. The suspect, 49-year-old Pamela Cisneros of Queens, stabbed Piacenti and a 68-year-old man within about 20 seconds before being shot and killed by police after a standoff. The male victim remains in stable condition.
Who Was Erin Piacenti?
Erin Piacenti was a 32-year-old Bank of America employee and vice president of Business Selection and Conflicts within Global Corporate and Investment Banking. She lived in Chester, New Jersey, with her husband, Frank Piacenti.
Piacenti earned her law degree from Fordham Law School in 2021, graduating alongside her husband. The couple had recently celebrated their second wedding anniversary and had purchased their first home together in Chester. Fordham Law School released a statement expressing heartbreak over her death, calling her and her husband cherished members of the Fordham Law family.
Bank of America spokesperson John Yiannacopoulos issued a statement saying, “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague. She was a valued teammate who will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to her family and all of her loved ones.”
What Happened in the Times Square Stabbing
The attack occurred on the afternoon of August 31, 2026, at approximately 4:24 p.m. local time in the heart of Times Square, near West 41st Street and Seventh Avenue. The location is one of the busiest and most heavily policed areas in New York City, situated next to an NYPD substation.
According to police, the suspect, 49-year-old Pamela Cisneros, pulled two large kitchen knives from a red Target shopping bag before approaching her first victim. She stabbed a 68-year-old man from Rhode Island who had just exited a subway station and was waiting to cross the street with his wife. The man was struck in the right side of his abdomen.
Approximately 20 seconds later, Cisneros walked north on Seventh Avenue and stabbed Erin Piacenti near West 42nd Street. Both attacks appeared to be random and unprovoked, with no prior altercation between the suspect and the victims.
The Police Confrontation and Shooting
After the stabbings, Cisneros continued north on Seventh Avenue and encountered officers between West 42nd and West 43rd streets. Witnesses had flagged down the officers, and a confrontation lasting approximately four minutes ensued.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch provided details of the encounter. Officers gave Cisneros numerous commands to drop her knives, but she refused. “During the encounter, she told the officers, ‘I’m not dropping anything. I would rather kill both of you.’ She repeated, ‘I will kill you,'” Tisch said.
Police deployed Tasers, which were ineffective and did not stop Cisneros from advancing toward officers while waving the knives. Two officers then fired their service weapons, striking the suspect. She was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed that the shooting was captured on police body cameras, and the footage will be released at a later date. The NYPD’s Force Investigation Division is conducting an investigation into the police shooting, which is standard procedure.
The Suspect: Pamela Cisneros
The suspect was identified as Pamela Cisneros, a 49-year-old resident of Jackson Heights, Queens. Police Commissioner Tisch confirmed that Cisneros had a documented mental health history with the NYPD, with incidents recorded in 2018 and 2019, but no prior arrest history.
Police emphasized that there is no evidence suggesting the attack was an act of terrorism. The attack was described as random and unprovoked.
Victims and Injuries
| Victim | Age | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Erin Piacenti | 32 | Pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital |
| 68-year-old man (identity withheld) | 68 | In stable condition at Bellevue Hospital |
Both victims were stabbed in the abdomen, and both were transported to Bellevue Hospital. The 68-year-old male victim, a Rhode Island resident visiting his son in Brooklyn, is expected to recover.
Official Responses
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the attack as “unprovoked” and praised the officers for their actions. “Our officers did exactly what they’re trained to do, and that is to protect themselves when a perpetrator is coming at them armed with and waving two knives,” she said.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed condolences to the victims’ families and commended police for preventing further harm. “There are family members and loved ones who are now confronting the unimaginable loss, and our hearts are with them,” he stated.
Bank of America and Fordham Law School both released statements expressing deep sadness over Piacenti’s death.
What Remains Under Investigation
Several aspects of the case remain under investigation:
- The suspect’s motive: While Cisneros had a documented mental health history, the exact reasons for the attack remain unclear.
- Police shooting review: The NYPD’s Force Investigation Division is conducting a standard review of the officers’ use of deadly force.
- Body camera footage: The footage will be reviewed and released at a later date.
FAQ
Who was Erin Piacenti?
Erin Piacenti was a 32-year-old Bank of America vice president and Fordham Law School graduate from Chester, New Jersey.
How did Erin Piacenti die?
Piacenti was stabbed in the abdomen during a random attack in Times Square on August 31, 2026, and pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital.
Who was the suspect in the Times Square stabbing?
The suspect was identified as Pamela Cisneros, a 49-year-old Queens woman with a documented mental health history.
Was anyone else injured in the attack?
Yes, a 68-year-old man from Rhode Island was also stabbed and is in stable condition.
Why did police shoot the suspect?
Police shot Cisneros after she refused commands to drop her knives, did not respond to Tasers, and advanced toward officers while waving knives.
Where did the attack occur?
The attack occurred near 41st Street and Seventh Avenue in Times Square, New York City.
Was the attack an act of terrorism?
No, police have stated there is no evidence suggesting the attack was terrorism-related.