Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Social Media Posts Preceded Fatal Times Square Stabbing Rampage
Police are investigating a deadly stabbing in Times Square.
A woman identified as Pamela Cisneros allegedly attacked two strangers.
Erin Piacenti, who was 32, died from her injuries.
A 68-year-old man was badly hurt and remains in the hospital.
Police say the suspect had two knives and moved toward officers.
A Taser did not stop her, so officers opened fire.
Investigators found social media posts that allegedly talked about stabbing people months earlier.
They are checking whether the posts were warning signs or whether anyone influenced the alleged attacks.
Investigators are examining posts allegedly linked to Pamela Cisneros that discussed attacking strangers months before the Times Square incident.
Erin Piacenti, a 32-year-old Bank of America vice president, was fatally stabbed near 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue.
A 68-year-old man was also stabbed and remains hospitalized in stable condition with serious injuries.
Police say Cisneros carried two large knives and continued moving toward officers after a Taser failed to stop her.
The NYPD is reviewing the police shooting while detectives examine Cisneros’s devices, accounts and possible online connections.
- Who
- Pamela Cisneros is identified as the suspect; Erin Piacenti and a 68-year-old man were the victims; NYPD officers confronted the suspect.
- What
- Two pedestrians were allegedly stabbed without provocation; Piacenti died, the other victim was seriously injured, and police shot the suspect.
- When
- The attack occurred after social media posts allegedly discussing violence had appeared months earlier; the article does not give the incident date.
- Where
- Near 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue in Times Square, Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
- Why
- Investigators are examining the suspect’s alleged interest in random violence, possible mental-health concerns, and whether others encouraged or influenced her.
- Fatality
- Erin Piacenti, 32, died from a stab wound to the abdomen.
- Second victim
- A 68-year-old man suffered serious injuries and was hospitalized in stable condition.
- Location
- The attack occurred near 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue, close to an NYPD Times Square substation.
- Suspect’s weapons
- Police said the suspect carried two large knives.
- Social media evidence
- Investigators are examining posts allegedly referring to a desire to stab people for no reason.
- Police response
- A Taser failed to subdue the suspect before officers opened fire.
- Investigation
- The NYPD Force Investigation Division is reviewing the shooting, while detectives examine devices and online accounts.