Mayor Zohran Mamdani (Zohran Mamdanis) announced the casualties at a press conference. According to him, the second injured woman is currently being treated in the hospital, and her condition is stable.
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According to New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the attacker, 49-year-old Queens resident Pamela Cisneros, who had mental health issues, pulled out two large knives from a bag with a well-known retail chain logo and began threatening passersby during the day.
Later, she approached a 68-year-old man and stabbed him in the abdomen. After 20 seconds, she attacked a 32-year-old woman, also stabbing her in the abdomen – the victim later died from this injury.
The identities of the victims are not being disclosed until their relatives are informed.
Police officers intervened immediately and tried to persuade P. Cisneros to put down the weapons.
“Officers communicated with the woman for four minutes and repeatedly ordered her to drop the knives, but she refused,” said J. Tisch.
“During this confrontation, she told the officers: ‘I won’t drop anything. I’d rather kill you both,’” added J. Tisch.
An eyewitness to the incident told local TV PIX11 that the suspect was holding two knives, and the police used a stun gun before she attacked the officers.
“They shot her twice,” said an unnamed witness.
The police confirmed that before using their service weapons, they unsuccessfully tried to neutralize the attacker with a stun gun.
According to local media reports, the suspect was declared dead in the hospital.
J. Tisch indicated that the attack is not believed to be related to terrorism.
“It was an extremely dangerous situation that unfolded in the heart of Times Square, the crossroads of the world,” said the police chief. “Thousands of New Yorkers, tourists, families, and workers move through these streets at any moment.”
A journalist from the AFP news agency present at the scene saw numerous emergency service forces and officers inspecting blood stains in Times Square.
