NYPD Bodycam Captures Standoff Before Fatal Times Square Shooting

Newly released NYPD body camera footage shows officers attempting to de-escalate a tense standoff with a woman armed with two knives moments before police opened fire, striking and killing her. The incident occurred outside One Times Square on August 31, 2026, after the woman allegedly stabbed two people.

According to the footage, officers spent approximately four minutes engaging with Pamela Cisneros, 49, attempting to persuade her to drop the weapons. During the encounter, Cisneros reportedly stated she was "tired of this world" and that officers would have to kill her. Officers repeatedly assured her they wanted to help and urged her to "just breathe."

The situation escalated when Cisneros began waving both knives. After Tasers proved ineffective and she advanced toward officers with the blades, police discharged their firearms. Cisneros was transported to Bellevue Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Authorities stated the confrontation began minutes after Cisneros allegedly stabbed a 68-year-old man near West 41st Street and Seventh Avenue, causing serious injuries. She then proceeded north, wielding a knife in each hand, and fatally stabbed Erin Piacenti, 32, a Bank of America executive, near West 42nd Street approximately 20 seconds later. The 68-year-old man survived his injuries.

Police recovered both knives at the scene. Investigators described the attacks as random and unprovoked. Records indicate Cisneros had documented mental health-related encounters with the NYPD in 2018 and 2019, but no prior arrest history. The incident is not believed to be related to terrorism.

The NYPD's Force Investigation Division is investigating the shooting, and the case will be presented to the department's Use of Force Review Board.