Back from maternity leave, Bank of America executive killed in Times Square stabbing

Police said the suspect had a documented mental-health history and that there was no indication of terrorism

September 2, 2026

The Bank of America vice president was among two people attacked in broad daylight in Manhattan

New mom, bank executive, tragic victim: Erin Piacenti killed in NYC stabbing

Erin Piacenti, 32, was fatally stabbed in what police described as a random and unprovoked attack in New York’s Times Square. She had recently become a mother and had returned to work after maternity leave.

A 32-year-old Bank of America executive who was fatally stabbed in New York’s Times Square had only recently returned to work after maternity leave, turning what should have been a routine day back at the office into a tragedy.

Erin Piacenti, a vice president at Bank of America, was attacked in broad daylight on Monday near West 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue in the heart of Manhattan. Police described the incident as random and unprovoked.

What happened in Times Square?

According to police, 49-year-old Pamela Cisneros allegedly attacked two people with large knives. A 68-year-old man was stabbed first and remained in stable condition.

Piacenti was then attacked in the same area. She was taken to a hospital but succumbed to her injuries.

Officers confronted Cisneros shortly afterwards. Police said she refused repeated commands to drop the knives and moved towards officers. After Tasers were deployed, two officers fired their service weapons, killing her.

Authorities said there was no indication that the attack was terrorism-related. Police also said Cisneros had a documented history of mental-health-related encounters with the NYPD but no prior arrest history.

Bank of America mourns colleague

The bank expressed shock and sadness over the loss, describing her as a valued colleague and extending condolences to her family and loved ones.

Piacenti was also a lawyer who graduated from Fordham Law School in 2021. The university said it was heartbroken by her death.

The killing has renewed concerns about random violence and public safety in one of New York City’s busiest tourist areas, while the NYPD continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.