Police in New York said on Monday that a woman was killed and another person injured in a random stabbing attack at Times Square, with the suspect fatally shot by officers at the scene.
The victim was identified as Erin Piacenti, a vice-president of business selection and conflicts at Bank of America. She died at a hospital from her stabbing injuries. A second person was wounded in the daytime attack on the busy Manhattan thoroughfare.
Investigators described the double stabbing as random, with no apparent connection between the attacker and the victims. The suspect had a history of mental health encounters with police, officials said.
Officers confronted the attacker at the scene and opened fire, killing the suspect. No further details on the suspect’s identity were immediately released.
Bank of America confirmed the death of its employee in a statement to Reuters. “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague,” the bank said. “She was a valued teammate who will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to her family and all of her loved ones.”
Times Square, one of the most heavily trafficked public spaces in the United States, draws millions of tourists and workers each year. Daytime violent attacks in the area are uncommon, though the district has recorded sporadic incidents in recent years.
The stabbing follows other high-profile acts of violence in Midtown Manhattan, including a shooting near the area last year that injured an office worker.
The condition of the second victim was not disclosed. Police said the investigation into the attack and the circumstances of the officer-involved shooting is ongoing.