NYPD Shoots Knife-Wielding Woman After Four-Minute Standoff In Times Square

Police in New York City have shot and killed a 49-year-old woman after she allegedly stabbed two people in a random attack in the heart of Times Square.

The incident occurred along Seventh Avenue near West 42nd Street, one of Manhattan’s busiest areas, where thousands of tourists, commuters and families were present.

According to New York Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner, Jessica Tisch, officers confronted the woman, identified as Pamela Cisneros, shortly after she allegedly attacked two people within about 20 seconds.

Tisch said the first victim, a 32-year-old woman, was stabbed in the abdomen and later died in hospital.

A second victim, a 68-year-old man, was also stabbed in the abdomen but remained in stable condition.

The NYPD commissioner said officers spent about four minutes attempting to persuade Cisneros to surrender the knives before opening fire.

She said officers issued “numerous commands to drop the knives,” but Cisneros refused to comply.

According to authorities, Cisneros told the officers: “I’m not dropping anything. I would rather kill both of you. I will kill you.”

Police initially used Tasers in an attempt to subdue her, but the devices were ineffective.

Officers subsequently opened fire, killing Cisneros at the scene.

Authorities described the incident as appearing to be a “random and unprovoked attack.”

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the victims and the suspect were taken to Bellevue Hospital following the incident.

Mamdani also announced that an internal investigation would be conducted into the police shooting, with body-camera footage from the responding officers expected to be released publicly.

Defending the officers’ actions, Tisch said they responded in accordance with their training after Cisneros allegedly continued moving towards them while armed with two knives.

“Our officers did exactly what they’re trained to do, and that is to protect themselves when a perpetrator, in this case, a woman, is coming at them armed with and waving two knives,” she said.

Police said Cisneros had a documented mental health history with the NYPD.

The incident has renewed concerns about public safety in Times Square, one of New York City’s biggest tourist destinations and a location that attracts large crowds throughout the day.

Authorities are expected to review body-camera footage and other evidence as investigations into both the stabbing and the police shooting continue.