Times Square stabbing victim identified as Bank of America vice president Erin Piacenti | Today’s news
Bank of America Vice President Erin Piacenti has been identified as the woman who was fatally stabbed in New York’s Times Square on Monday in what police described as a random and unprovoked attack.
Erin Piacenti, vice president of corporate selection and conflicts at Bank of America, died in hospital from injuries she suffered in the stabbing, Bloomberg News reported.
“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 those close to her,” Bank of America said in an emailed statement to Reuters.
A 49-year-old Queens woman pulled two knives from a shopping bag shortly before 4:30 p.m. near the NYPD substation at One Times Square, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
The woman first stabbed the 68-year-old man in the stomach as he waited for him to cross the street after exiting a subway station. She then also stabbed Piacenti, 32, in the stomach, Tisch said.
Both victims were taken to hospital. Piacenti died of his injuries, while the man was said to be in stable condition.
Police shot dead the assailant
Officers surrounded the woman and spent several minutes trying to get her to drop the knives, Tisch said.
The woman allegedly told officers, “I’m not letting anything go, I’d rather kill you both.”
Officers then used a taser, but were unable to incapacitate her. A video posted by bystanders showed the woman moving toward the officers and holding the knives.
Two policemen then fired their weapons and hit the woman. She was treated at the scene but was fatally shot, police said.
“This was an extremely dangerous situation taking place in the heart of Times Square, the crossroads of the world,” Tisch said.
No evidence of terrorism
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the woman stabbed two people before police used a Taser and opened fire.
Tisch said the suspect had a documented mental health history with the NYPD, including incidents in 2018 and 2019, but had no arrest history with the department.
Police said there was no evidence the attack was terrorism-related and that the investigation was still ongoing.
