Woman killed, man stabbed in 'Times Square'... New York Police identify attacker

New York City authorities announced that a woman was killed and a man injured in a random stabbing attack at Times Square, after police shot and killed the attacker during a confrontation in which she was wielding two knives.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said that both the female victim and the attacker died, praising the swift intervention of police officers that prevented the incident from escalating into a more serious attack.

New York City Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the attacker, a 49-year-old woman from Queens, pulled two knives from her bag and stabbed a 68-year-old man who had just exited a subway station and was waiting to cross the street with his wife, striking him in the abdomen.

Tisch added that the attacker then turned to a 32-year-old woman and stabbed her in the abdomen as well. Both victims were transported to Bellevue Hospital, where the woman died from her injuries, while the condition of the injured man stabilized.

Police explained that officers confronted the attacker near a precinct in Times Square and attempted to persuade her to drop the knives, before deploying Tasers. However, she continued to advance toward them while brandishing the weapons, prompting two officers to open fire.

The attacker was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where she died from her injuries.

Police described the attack as “random and unjustified,” confirming there were no indications linking it to terrorism, while investigations continued to determine the motives and circumstances.

Police stated that the attacker had a documented history of mental health issues, but no prior arrest record.