A 32-year-old Bank of America vice president, Erin Piacenti, has been fatally stabbed in New York City’s Times Square in what police described as an apparently random and unprovoked attack.
According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), Piacenti was stabbed in the stomach on Monday and later died at a hospital.
NYPD Commissioner, Jessica Tisch said preliminary findings indicated that the attack was random and that there was no apparent provocation.
The suspect, identified as Cisneros, was later confronted by police and shot dead after an approximately four-minute standoff, according to reports.
Footage circulating on social media appeared to show officers ordering Cisneros to drop the knives she was carrying.
Police reportedly deployed a Taser before she moved towards them while still armed, prompting officers to open fire. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Tisch also disclosed that Cisneros had a documented history of encounters with police related to mental health.
Bank of America expressed shock over Piacenti’s death, describing her as a valued member of its workforce.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by Erin’s death. She was a valued teammate who will be greatly missed,” the bank said.
Piacenti served as a vice president in Bank of America’s business selection and conflicts unit.
She studied political science at the University of Pennsylvania before earning a law degree from Fordham University School of Law.
Bank of America VP stabbed to death in random Times Square attack