This timeline lists only developments supported by the sources below. Police statements are identified as such, and the absence of an entry does not imply that an event did not occur.

August 31, 2026

Shortly before 4:30 p.m.

Police said a woman carrying two knives stabbed a 68-year-old man and then a 32-year-old woman near Seventh Avenue and West 42nd Street in Times Square. Both victims were taken to a hospital.[1]

Minutes later

NYPD officers confronted the woman near the Times Square police substation. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said officers tried to persuade her to drop the knives and then used a stun gun. Two officers shot her after she continued toward them with the knives, according to the police account.[1]

Later that day

The 32-year-old victim died at the hospital. The 68-year-old man was initially reported in stable condition. The woman shot by police also died. Authorities had not yet released the victims’ names while relatives were being notified.[1]

September 1, 2026

Victim publicly identified

Police identified the woman who died as Erin Piacenti, 32, of New Jersey.[3]

Employer and education confirmed

Bank of America confirmed that Piacenti worked for the company. AP also reported, citing Fordham Law, that she earned a law degree there in 2021.[2] NBC New York reported that she had studied at the University of Pennsylvania before Fordham Law.[4]

Accused attacker identified

Police identified the woman accused of the stabbings as Pamela Cisneros, 49, of Queens. AP reported that the NYPD investigation and the Force Investigation Division review of the police shooting were continuing.[2]

Other victim released from hospital

ABC7 New York reported that the 68-year-old man injured in the attack was released from Bellevue Hospital late Tuesday afternoon.[5]

September 2, 2026

No additional event is listed merely to make the timeline appear current. This page was published on September 2 using the reporting available at that time. A future entry will be added only for a meaningful, sourced development.

Read the fuller account of what happened in Times Square.