Random Attack: Bank of America Vice President Stabbed to Death in Times Square
A senior executive from Bank of America was brutally stabbed in the Times Square area of New York City, USA. The perpetrator, suspected of carrying out a random attack, was subsequently shot dead by police after brandishing two large knives towards officers.
The bloody incident, which occurred on Monday (31/8) afternoon local time, shocked the main tourist district of New York City. Traffic flow in Midtown Manhattan was also paralysed as emergency vehicles crowded the area between skyscrapers.
According to reports, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) has identified the deceased victim as Erin Piacenti, a 32-year-old woman.
Bank of America, the second-largest lender in the US, confirmed the loss of one of its staff members. An internal memo viewed by Reuters also confirmed the victim’s identity.
According to her LinkedIn profile, Piacenti served as Vice President within the business selection and conflict unit at Bank of America.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague. She was a valued team member and will be greatly missed. Our prayers and sympathies go out to her family and loved ones,” stated Bank of America in a written statement sent to Reuters on Tuesday (1/9).
Bank of America’s Manhattan office is located very close to the Times Square area where the stabbing took place.
A 68-year-old man, whose name was not disclosed, also sustained stab wounds in the same attack, according to an NYPD statement. The man is reported to be in stable condition.
The motive for this fatal stabbing remains unclear. However, NYPD Commissioner Jesica Tisch stated that the attack, which occurred around 16:24 local time near West 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue, appears to have been random and unprovoked.
The attacker was identified as a 49-year-old woman named Pamela Cisneros. When NYPD personnel arrived at the scene, Cisneros was found brandishing two large knife blades.
Cisneros even moved towards the police officers. NYPD personnel then shot Cisneros, and she was pronounced dead.
Tisch revealed that Cisneros had a history of mental health issues.
Meanwhile, in an internal memo viewed by Reuters, Bank of America’s President of Global Corporate & Investment Banking, Matthew Koder, described Piacenti as a “beloved colleague and friend.”
The memo noted that Piacenti had joined Bank of America approximately 18 months ago. However, Koder stated that “her passing is deeply felt by many.”