A woman and one of her victims died after she stabbed two people in New York's Times Square before being shot by police officers on Monday afternoon.
The second stabbing victim remains hospitalized in critical condition following the incident, which occurred shortly before 4:30 p.m. near a police substation in Midtown Manhattan.
Stabbing Attack and Police Confrontation
According to police information, the woman launched a knife attack against a man and a woman in one of the city's busiest pedestrian areas. Immediately after the stabbings, she moved toward an area housing a New York City Police Department substation.
Officers spotted the woman holding and waving a large knife in front of numerous bystanders. Video footage shared on social media captured the woman, who was wearing a pink shirt, blue jeans, and a crossbody bag, as she brandished the weapon and moved toward responding officers.
Taser Attempt and Shooting
Police officers initially attempted to subdue the woman using a taser. Reports indicated that the woman pulled out the taser electrodes and continued to confront the officers.
When she advanced toward the officers while pointing the knife in their direction, at least one officer discharged their firearm. Multiple gunshots were heard on video recordings as the woman collapsed to the ground, prompting panicked bystanders to flee the immediate area.
Officers immediately rushed to render medical assistance to the woman after she fell. Social media posts, including video footage uploaded by online news outlets and witnesses, documented the armed confrontation and the failure of non-lethal force to stop the attack.
Victim Conditions and Weapon Seizure
Emergency medical personnel transported the woman to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Both stabbing victims were also rushed to hospital facilities, where one of them later succumbed to their injuries while the second remains in critical condition.
Law enforcement authorities confirmed that the weapon used in the attack was recovered and seized at the scene. Photographs from Times Square showed a police officer holding a large kitchen knife outside a souvenir shop near the location of the stabbing.
Investigation into Motive
Authorities stated that the woman's motive for the stabbing remains unknown. Officials noted that the incident is not believed to be connected to terrorism.
Times Square is a major commercial and tourist hub in New York City, known for its heavy pedestrian traffic and high-visibility police presence. The NYPD maintains a dedicated police station in the plaza to monitor security and respond to incidents in the area.
