Daijiworld Media Network - New York

New York, Sep 1: A 32-year-old Bank of America vice president was killed in a stabbing attack in the heart of New York City's Times Square on Monday afternoon, with police saying the assault appeared to be random and unprovoked.

Erin Piacenti, a resident of Chester, New Jersey, was stabbed in the abdomen near 41st Street and Seventh Avenue, according to the New York Police Department. She was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after the attack.

Bank of America confirmed that Piacenti was a vice president in its Business Selection and Conflicts division within Global Corporate and Investment Banking.

"We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague. She was a valued teammate who will be greatly missed," the bank said in a statement, extending its condolences to Piacenti's family and loved ones.

Police identified the suspect as 49-year-old Pamela Cisneros of Queens. Authorities said Cisneros also stabbed a 68-year-old man shortly before attacking Piacenti and was later shot dead by police.

According to police, the 68-year-old man had just exited the subway with his wife when Cisneros allegedly removed two knives from a red Target bag and approached the couple. After waving the weapons, she stabbed the man in the side.

Cisneros then moved about a block away and attacked Piacenti. Police said the two stabbings occurred approximately 20 seconds apart.

The male victim was taken to Bellevue Hospital and was recovering, police said.

Law enforcement sources said the attacks appeared to be random and there was no indication of a connection to organised terrorism.

After the stabbings, Cisneros continued along Seventh Avenue and encountered police between 42nd and 43rd streets while still armed with both knives.

Officers spent about four minutes ordering her to drop the weapons, but she refused. Police then used stun guns, which did not appear to stop her.

Cisneros subsequently advanced towards the officers, prompting two officers to open fire. She was taken to a hospital, where she died.

Police said Cisneros had a documented history of mental health concerns dating back to 2018 and 2019 but had no known criminal history. Both knives allegedly used in the attacks were recovered at the scene.

New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch expressed condolences to the victims and their families, describing the incident as a senseless act of violence that cut one life short.