Woman Stabs Two People in New York’s Times Square, One Killed; Suspect Shot Dead by Police

A woman allegedly stabbed two people in New York City’s crowded Times Square in what police described as a random and unprovoked attack, killing one victim and seriously injuring another. The suspect was later shot and killed by police after she refused repeated orders to drop the knives she was carrying.

The incident took place on Monday afternoon, August 31, near Seventh Avenue and West 41st Street, one of the busiest areas of Manhattan. According to police, the 49-year-old woman pulled two knives from a shopping bag and attacked a 68-year-old man who had just emerged from a subway station and was waiting to cross the road with his wife. The man suffered a stab wound to the abdomen and was taken to Bellevue Hospital. His condition was later reported to be stable.

Within seconds, the woman allegedly attacked another person. A 32-year-old woman was stabbed in the abdomen and taken to hospital with critical injuries. She later died at Bellevue Hospital.

After the attacks, the suspect moved north along Seventh Avenue towards an NYPD substation in Times Square. Officers located her while she was still holding the two knives and attempted to persuade her to surrender. Police said officers spent around four minutes giving her repeated instructions to put down the weapons.

The woman allegedly refused to comply and advanced towards the officers while continuing to hold the knives. Police first attempted to use Tasers to stop her, but the devices were unsuccessful. Officers then opened fire, striking the woman. She was transported to Bellevue Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Police recovered two knives from the scene and said the confrontation was captured on officers’ body-worn cameras. Authorities have begun an investigation into the circumstances surrounding both the stabbings and the subsequent police shooting.

Officials said there was currently no evidence suggesting that the attack was connected to terrorism. Police are also examining the suspect’s background and possible motive. Authorities described the incident as a senseless attack in one of New York City’s busiest public spaces.

The stabbing caused heightened concern in Times Square, where large numbers of tourists, commuters and residents gather daily. Investigators are continuing to examine witness accounts and video footage as they work to establish the sequence of events and determine what led to the apparently random assault.