Agencies | New York:
A stabbing attack in New York City’s iconic Times Square left one person dead and another injured after a woman allegedly attacked two pedestrians with large kitchen knives before being shot and killed by police, authorities said.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed the deaths at a press conference, saying one of the two victims succumbed to injuries while the second remained in hospital in stable condition.
According to police, as reported by the Associated Press, the woman pulled two large kitchen knives from a shopping bag and attacked a 68-year-old man who was waiting to cross the street with his wife. She allegedly stabbed him in the abdomen before attacking a 32-year-old woman nearby moments later.
Both victims were taken to Bellevue Hospital. The 32-year-old woman later died from her injuries, while the 68-year-old man was reported to be in stable condition.
“I am deeply saddened to report that one of the victims has passed away, as has the alleged perpetrator. The second victim is currently in the hospital in stable condition,” Mamdani said.
He also praised the police officers who intervened, saying their actions prevented the attack from becoming even more serious.
Videos circulating on social media showed a large number of NYPD officers surrounding the woman as she stood holding two kitchen knives.
According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, officers spent several minutes attempting to persuade the woman to drop the weapons. She allegedly refused to comply and told officers, “I’m not dropping anything, I would rather kill both of you.”
Police subsequently used a Taser in an attempt to stop her.
Footage from the scene showed the woman moving rapidly towards officers while still holding the knives. Police then opened fire, striking her.
Officers handcuffed the woman after she fell and administered first aid before she was taken to hospital. She later died from her injuries.
The New York Police Department classified the incident as a confirmed officer-involved shooting and said the investigation remains active.
An NYPD spokesperson said investigators were continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the attack.
US media reports indicated that authorities did not initially believe the stabbing was terrorism-related. Investigators were also examining the woman’s mental health and other possible factors that could have contributed to the attack.
The incident has renewed concerns over public safety in one of New York City’s busiest tourist and commercial districts, which attracts thousands of visitors and commuters each day.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the motive behind the attack and the sequence of events that led to the police shooting.
