Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Times Square Stabbing Leaves One Dead; Suspect Had Ominous Posts
Police say a woman named Patricia Cisneros allegedly attacked two people near Times Square.
She was reportedly carrying two kitchen knives.
One victim, Erin Piacenti, died from her injuries.
The other victim, Tak Kam, was injured.
Police arrived and say Cisneros moved toward them with the knives.
Officers then shot her, and she died.
Months earlier, Cisneros had posted online about religion, the end of the world and people hurting others.
Investigators have not yet determined why the attack happened.
Patricia Cisneros, 49, allegedly stabbed two people in Manhattan’s Times Square area on Monday afternoon.
Bank of America executive Erin Piacenti, 32, died, while 68-year-old Tak Kam was injured.
Police said Cisneros was carrying two large kitchen knives and was shot after allegedly charging at officers.
A New York Post report said Cisneros had posted about violence, spiritual despair and the “end times” on Facebook.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances and motive behind the attack.
- Who
- Patricia Cisneros allegedly attacked Tak Kam and Erin Piacenti; responding police officers shot Cisneros.
- What
- Two people were allegedly stabbed near Times Square; Piacenti died and Kam was injured.
- When
- Monday afternoon; the report was published and updated on September 2, 2026.
- Where
- Near West 41st Street and Seventh Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
- Why
- The motive and circumstances remain under investigation.
- Suspect
- Patricia Cisneros, 49
- Fatality
- Erin Piacenti, 32, a Bank of America executive
- Second victim
- Tak Kam, 68, a Rhode Island resident
- Weapon
- Two large kitchen knives, according to police
- Police response
- Officers shot Cisneros after police said she allegedly charged at them
- Prior online posts
- Cisneros reportedly wrote about the “end times,” spiritual despair, violence and declining compassion
- Investigation
- Authorities are continuing to investigate the attack and its motive