Times Square Stabbing: Pamela Cisneros Fatally Shot by NYPD After Woman Killed and Man Injured in Random Attack

NEW YORK CITY — A violent afternoon attack in Times Square left one woman dead, another man injured and the alleged assailant, 49-year-old Pamela Cisneros of Queens, fatally shot by NYPD officers after she reportedly attacked two people with knives on Monday, August 31, 2026.

According to police, the incident unfolded shortly after 4:20 p.m. near West 41st Street and Seventh Avenue, one of Manhattan’s busiest tourist areas. Investigators said Cisneros allegedly removed two knives from a shopping bag and attacked a 68-year-old man who had just exited the subway and was waiting to cross the street with his wife. She then allegedly walked north and stabbed a 32-year-old woman near West 42nd Street. The two attacks occurred within roughly 20 seconds of each other.

The 32-year-old woman was transported to Bellevue Hospital, where she later died from her injuries. The 68-year-old man was also hospitalized after suffering stab wounds and was subsequently reported to be in stable condition. The identities of the two victims have not been publicly released.

Police located Cisneros near an NYPD substation in Times Square, where officers said she was still holding the knives. Authorities said officers repeatedly ordered her to drop the weapons for approximately four minutes. Police also deployed Tasers in an attempt to stop her, but the effort was unsuccessful. Officers ultimately discharged their firearms, striking Cisneros. She was taken to Bellevue Hospital and later pronounced dead.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the stabbings as “random and unprovoked” and said the incident does not appear to have been terrorism-related. Police have also said Cisneros had a documented history of mental-health incidents, although she had no prior arrests.

The circumstances surrounding the use of deadly force remain under investigation, as is standard following an officer-involved shooting. Officials said body-camera footage will be reviewed and released as part of the investigation.

The attack has shaken visitors, workers and residents in Times Square, where thousands of people gather each day. Authorities continue to investigate the sequence of events while the families of the victims mourn the sudden loss and the surviving victim recovers from his injuries.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as officials review witness accounts, surveillance footage and police body-camera recordings.