Bank of America VP Dies in Random Times Square Stabbing; Attacker Shot by Police
A Bank of America vice president was fatally stabbed in Times Square in a random attack. Police shot the suspect, who had a history of mental health incidents.
A 32-year-old Bank of America vice president has died after being stabbed in a random attack in New York City's Times Square on Monday. The woman, identified as Erin Piacenti, a vice president of business selection and conflicts at the bank, succumbed to her injuries in hospital.
Bank of America expressed shock and deep sadness over the loss, calling Piacenti a valued teammate who would be greatly missed. The company extended its condolences to her family and loved ones.
According to New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the incident unfolded shortly before 4:30 p.m. when a 49-year-old woman from Queens pulled two knives from a shopping bag near an NYPD substation outside One Times Square. The suspect first stabbed a 68-year-old man in the abdomen as he waited to cross the street after exiting a subway station. She then stabbed Piacenti, also in the abdomen. The man is reported to be in stable condition.
Police officers surrounded the suspect and attempted for several minutes to persuade her to drop the knives. The woman reportedly refused, telling officers she would rather kill them. A Taser was deployed but failed to incapacitate her. Bystander video showed the woman advancing toward officers while holding the knives, prompting two officers to fire their weapons. The suspect was struck and later died despite receiving first aid at the scene.
Commissioner Tisch described the incident as an extraordinarily dangerous situation in the heart of Times Square. Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed the sequence of events, noting the suspect stabbed two people before police used a Taser and opened fire.
The suspect had a documented mental health history with the NYPD, including incidents in 2018 and 2019, but no prior arrest record. Police have stated there is no evidence linking the attack to terrorism, and the investigation remains ongoing.