Bank of America VP Erin Piacenti identified as victim in fatal Times Square stabbing

The Bank of America vice president who was fatally stabbed in New York City's Times Square on Aug. 31 has been identified as Erin Piacenti, the company confirmed.

Piacenti, 32, was attacked in what police described as a random and unprovoked assault. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the suspect, Pamela Cisneros, 49, pulled out two knives and stabbed Piacenti and a 68-year-old man in the abdomen.

Piacenti was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The man was brought to Bellevue Hospital and was listed in stable condition, according to police.

Bank of America said in a statement: "We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague. She was a valued teammate who will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to her family and all of her loved ones."

The attack occurred in one of the most visited public spaces in the country, and officials said officers tried to stop Cisneros with Tasers before opening fire when she continued advancing with knives. The encounter remains under investigation.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani offered his sympathies during an evening news conference. "We know that those families' lives have been shattered by what took place today, and we will continue to hold them close as the hours and days and weeks continue from this moment," he said.

The episode has sharpened questions about public safety in Manhattan's busy tourist corridor and about how police confront an armed suspect in a crowded area. Authorities have not publicly identified a motive.

This is a developing story. Contributing: Reuters