Bank of America vice president killed in Times Square stabbing, attacker charges at police

Erin Piacenti, a vice president at Bank of America, was killed in a stabbing in New York’s Times Square. Authorities described the incident as a random and unprovoked attack.

The attack took place on Monday at around 4:24 p.m. local time, near the intersection of West 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue in the heart of Manhattan.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) said the victim was 32-year-old Erin Piacenti. Bank of America also confirmed the death of one of its employees. According to her LinkedIn profile, Piacenti was a vice president in the bank’s Business Selection and Conflicts unit.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said everything pointed to an attack carried out without any apparent motive or prior provocation.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found 49-year-old Pamela Cisneros holding two large knives. According to police, she moved toward them, prompting the officers to open fire.

Cisneros was later pronounced dead. Commissioner Tisch said the 49-year-old had a documented history of mental health problems.

A 68-year-old man, whose identity has not been made public, was also injured during the incident. The NYPD said he had suffered knife wounds and was in stable condition.

Following the incident, several streets in Midtown Manhattan were temporarily closed as emergency vehicles arrived in the area. Bank of America’s Manhattan office is located at One Bryant Park, very close to Times Square.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague. She was a valued member of the team and will be greatly missed. Our hearts are with her family and all those who loved her,” Bank of America said in a message emailed to Reuters on Tuesday.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine all the circumstances surrounding the attack.