Times Square stabbing: Bank of America VP Erin Piacenti, 32, killed in 'random' attack

The NYPD fatally shot Pamela Cisneros, 49, who was seen waving around two large knives in Times Square
Erin Piacenti, a 32-year-old Bank of America vice president has been identified as the woman fatally stabbed in Times Square (WABC via AP/ Erin Guiltinan, Facebook)
Erin Piacenti, a 32-year-old Bank of America vice president has been identified as the woman fatally stabbed in Times Square (WABC via AP/ Erin Guiltinan, Facebook)

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Erin Piacenti, a 32-year-old Bank of America vice president, has been named as the woman who died after being stabbed in Times Square on Monday, August 31.

Her identification brings a new element to an attack that authorities have characterized as random and unprovoked.

Based in New York, Piacenti served as the bank’s vice president of business selection and conflicts, pursuing a career that spanned both law and finance.



Bank of America VP killed

Bank of America confirmed Piacenti’s identity to media outlets and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of its employee.

The company remembered her as a valued member of its team and extended its sympathies to her family and loved ones.

Police said Piacenti was stabbed in the abdomen after Pamela Cisneros allegedly approached her and a 68-year-old man while carrying two knives.

Both victims were rushed to hospitals for treatment, but Piacenti ultimately succumbed to her injuries.

This image made from video provided by WABC shows NYPD officers on the scene after a woman brandishing two large knives was shot by officers in Times Square in New York, Monday, Aug. 31, 2026. (WABC via AP)
This image made from video provided by WABC shows NYPD officers on the scene after a woman brandishing two large knives was shot by officers in Times Square in New York, Monday, August 31, 2026 (WABC via AP)

Details emerging about Piacenti’s background show a young professional who had established herself across the legal and financial sectors.

She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2016 and went on to receive her law degree from Fordham Law School in 2021.

She later joined Bank of America, where she served as vice president of business selection and conflicts, handling matters at the intersection of legal and business operations.

The fatal attack came just weeks after a significant personal milestone, with Piacenti celebrating her second wedding anniversary on August 10.

Her sudden death has left colleagues, friends and family mourning her loss.

Bank of America said she would be deeply missed by those who knew and worked with her.

This image made from video provided by WABC shows NYPD officers on the scene after a woman brandishing two large knives was shot by officers in Times Square in New York, Monday, Aug. 31, 2026. (WABC via AP)
This image made from video provided by WABC shows NYPD officers on the scene after a woman brandishing two large knives was shot by officers in Times Square in New York, Monday, August 31, 2026 (WABC via AP)

Police say the attack was 'random'

Investigators have said there was no apparent connection between Cisneros and either victim, describing the violence as random and unprovoked.

The incident also escalated when police attempted to stop Cisneros.

According to authorities, officers used Tasers but were unable to stop her as she continued advancing while armed with knives. Officers then fired their guns.

The second victim, a 68-year-old man who was also stabbed in the abdomen, was transported to Bellevue Hospital and was reported to be in stable condition.

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