RismadarVoice Reporters
September 1, 2026
A Bank of America vice president has been killed after she was stabbed in a daytime attack at New York City’s Times Square, in an incident that has drawn renewed attention to public safety concerns in the city.
The victim, identified as 32-year-old Erin Piacenti, worked as a vice president in Bank of America’s business selection and conflicts unit, according to her professional profile.
Bank of America confirmed the death in a statement, describing Piacenti as a valued colleague and expressing condolences to her family and loved ones.
New York City authorities said the attack occurred on August 31 at about 4:24 p.m. local time near West 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue, one of the busiest areas in Manhattan and a major tourist destination.
According to police, the suspect, identified as 49-year-old Pamela Cisneros, approached and stabbed two people with multiple large knives before officers responded. Police said the attack appeared to be random and unprovoked.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said officers used a Taser and later fired their weapons while responding to the incident. The suspect was killed during the police response.
The New York Police Department said Piacenti suffered stab wounds and was later pronounced dead. A second victim, a 68-year-old man, was also stabbed and was reported to be in stable condition.
The incident occurred close to Bank of America’s Manhattan headquarters at One Bryant Park, located near Times Square.
The attack has renewed discussions about security in New York City, following previous high-profile incidents involving executives and workers in the city’s financial sector.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, with the NYPD Force Investigation Division reviewing the circumstances surrounding the police response.
Police data released recently showed declines in several categories of violent crime in New York City, including shootings and murders, despite continued public concern over safety in crowded urban areas.
