Times Square stabbing leaves one dead and a second injured as police confront armed suspect

In a violent incident on Times Square’s pedestrian thoroughfare, 49-year-old Pamela Cisneros allegedly stabbed two unrelated individuals, killing 32-year-old Erin Piacenti and injuring a 68-year-old man. Police responded to the scene and discovered Cisneros still armed with two knives, prompting a tense standoff that lasted several minutes. Officers attempted to persuade her to drop the weapons, employing multiple Tasers that failed to subdue her.

The encounter then turned deadly as she moved toward the officers, leading to the use of lethal force. Retired NYPD Detective Lieutenant Ralph Cilento reviewed the multiple body-camera angles, critiquing the de-escalation approach, positioning, and communication tactics used by the officers. He highlighted how the officers initially kept firearms holstered and tried to protect bystanders while negotiating, before the rapid escalation forced a different response.