New York City police released harrowing body-worn camera footage Friday showing the moments leading up to officers fatally shooting Pamela Cisneros, a woman armed with two knives, in Times Square on August 31.
The footage depicts officers Ryan Brito and Francis Gagliano encountering Cisneros, 49, near 42nd Street and 7th Avenue. They repeatedly pleaded with her to drop the knives she held in front of her chest. "Put the knife down," Officer Brito can be heard saying. Cisneros responded, "Come and get me."
According to police, Cisneros had embarked on a stabbing spree moments earlier. She first attacked 68-year-old Tak Kam, stabbing him in the abdomen as he exited a subway station. She then proceeded to stab 32-year-old Erin Piacenti, a Bank of America executive, who died from her injuries. Piacenti had recently returned from maternity leave.
During the confrontation with police, Cisneros expressed despair, saying, "I’m tired of this world already. Tired of this shit." Officer Brito attempted to de-escalate the situation, acknowledging the hardships of life in New York City and asking Cisneros if she believed in God. She responded negatively and stated, "You’re going to have to kill me. Yes, you are. Either that, or I’m going to kill all of you."
Despite continued pleas from the officers to drop the weapons and calm down, Cisneros began waving the knives in a circular motion. Officers then deployed tasers, which appeared to have no effect. Cisneros then began charging towards the officers.
Officers Joseph O’Connor and Steven Darcy then discharged their firearms, firing three shots at Cisneros, causing her to fall to the sidewalk. She was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Authorities noted that Cisneros had a documented history of mental health issues, including a previous suicide attempt.