New York (Rajeev Sharma): Panic swept through New York’s Times Square on Monday afternoon after a woman allegedly attacked two people with knives in the crowded tourist hub, leaving one victim dead and another injured. The suspect was later shot by police following a prolonged confrontation.
The incident unfolded at approximately 4:30 pm local time in an area packed with tourists, pedestrians and commuters. Police said the two victims were attacked within seconds of each other, prompting officers in the vicinity to respond.
The suspect was identified by the New York City Police Department as 49-year-old Pamela Cisneros. Authorities said she allegedly stabbed a 32-year-old woman and a 68-year-old man in an attack that appeared to be unprovoked.
Both victims sustained wounds to the abdomen. The 32-year-old woman was taken to a hospital, where she later died. The older victim was initially reported to be in critical condition but was subsequently listed as stable.
After the stabbings, Cisneros reportedly tried to escape but was intercepted by officers close to an NYPD substation. Police said she had two knives and repeatedly ignored commands to surrender the weapons.
Videos posted on social media showed a woman in a pink top and jeans standing several metres from police officers while holding knives. Officers could be seen attempting to control the situation as bystanders remained in the surrounding area.
According to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, officers spent around four minutes attempting to convince Cisneros to drop the weapons. Authorities said she made threats towards the officers and refused to comply.
Police subsequently used Tasers, but the attempt did not stop the woman. Investigators said she removed the devices and continued approaching officers while holding the knives.
Officers then opened fire, striking Cisneros. She was transported to a hospital but was later pronounced dead.
Investigation Underway
The circumstances surrounding the attack remain under investigation. Police initially received reports suggesting a possible robbery, but officials later said they had not established a definite motive.
Authorities have also said there is currently no indication that the incident was terrorism-related. The attack is being investigated as an apparently random act of violence.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed the deaths of the suspect and one of the victims, while the condition of the surviving victim was being monitored.
The incident has once again drawn attention to security concerns in Times Square, one of New York City’s most heavily visited and densely populated public spaces.
