One person killed as woman randomly stabs two people in Times Square before being fatally shot by police

A woman launched a series of stab attacks against two individuals in New York City’s Times Square on Monday morning, resulting in one fatality and leaving another seriously injured. The suspect was subsequently shot by police and pronounced dead.

The attack unfolded just before 4:30 p.m., near an NYPD substation adjacent to One Times Square—a highly traversed district that serves as the epicenter for the city’s famed New Year’s Eve celebrations. This premier tourist destination is among the most secured locations in Manhattan.

According to emergency responders, the 49‑year‑old victim from Queens ripped two kitchen knives from her shopping bag and struck a 68‑year‑old man who had emerged from the subway terminal and intended to cross the street with his partner. Moments afterward, the attacker turned her weapon on a 32‑year‑old woman, inflicting abdominal wounds on both victims. Both survivors were rushed to hospitals; the younger woman remains in stable condition while the older male succumbed to his injuries.

Video footage circulating online captures officers confronting the agitated individual, who claimed, “I’m not dropping anything—I would rather kill both of you.” Despite multiple attempts at de‑escalation, the suspect continued advancing. Law enforcement deployed a Taser, though the device failed to render her unconscious, prompting officers to fire three additional rounds at the fleeing suspect.

The perpetrator possesses a documented connection to the NYPD system, with prior involvement recorded in 2018 and 2019, though no prior criminal convictions exist. Commissioner Jessica Tisch characterized the episode as “extraordinary” given its setting—the global intersection of commerce, tourism, and dense urban life.

Acting Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the tragedy, affirming support for the families affected and praising the swift, decisive action of the police force. He also commended the officers for preventing potential further harm to civilians.

In response, the NYPD temporarily closed portion of 7th Avenue and issued warnings urging the public to stay clear of the affected zone. While overall violent crime has decreased dramatically this year—homicide rates declining 24% and nearing unprecedented lows—this incident represents the second loss of life in Times Square since an earlier stabbing occurred in May.

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