A Bank of America vice president, Erin Piacenti, died after being seriously injured in a Times Square stabbing in New York City on Monday, according to the NYPD and reports cited by Bloomberg News.
Piacenti, 32, worked as a vice president in Bank of America’s business selection and conflicts unit, according to information listed on her LinkedIn profile. The bank confirmed her death and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of its employee.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague,” Bank of America said in a statement. The company also extended its condolences to Piacenti’s family, friends, and loved ones.
According to New York officials, a 49-year-old woman, identified as Pamela Cisneros, allegedly approached people in Times Square while carrying multiple knives. Two people were reportedly stabbed during the incident.
Police officers responded to the scene and used a Taser before firing their weapons. Cisneros was killed as officers attempted to stop the attack, authorities said.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the attacks as apparently random and unprovoked. Investigators from the NYPD Force Investigation Division are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Piacenti suffered stab wounds and was transported for medical treatment, but she was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The incident occurred close to Bank of America’s Manhattan operations. The company’s major office at One Bryant Park is located just a short distance from Times Square, one of New York City’s busiest and most recognizable areas.
The fatal Times Square stabbing has renewed concerns about public safety in Midtown Manhattan. It also follows another high-profile act of violence involving a financial executive last summer, when a Blackstone executive was fatally shot inside a Midtown office building.
Authorities continue to investigate the latest incident as officials work to establish a complete timeline and understand what led to the attack.
