NEW YORK — A knife-wielding woman was shot by police in Times Square on Monday afternoon after allegedly stabbing two people, according to authorities. The incident occurred near West 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue, a heavily trafficked area, and resulted in life-threatening injuries for the suspect and both victims.
Police confirm officer-involved shooting
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) described the incident as a confirmed officer-involved shooting and stated that the woman was armed with at least one knife. Authorities reported that the suspect was tased by officers before being shot after she allegedly charged at police near a NYPD substation. Video footage reviewed by multiple outlets shows officers deploying a Taser, which failed to incapacitate the woman, followed by gunshots as she advanced toward them. The suspect was handcuffed after falling to the ground and received first aid at the scene.
Casualties and investigation status
The two stabbing victims were rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition, with one victim later pronounced dead, according to reports. The suspect was also taken to the hospital in critical condition and remains hospitalized. The identities of the suspect and victims have not been released by authorities. The NYPD has cordoned off the area and urged the public to avoid the scene while the investigation continues.
Motive and mental health inquiry
Authorities have ruled out terrorism as a motive for the attack, stating that the incident does not appear to be terror-related. Investigators are examining the suspect’s mental health as a potential factor in the stabbing. Police sources told multiple outlets that the woman was emotionally disturbed, though no definitive motive has been confirmed. The recovered weapon was identified as a large kitchen knife, according to scene photos.
Witness accounts and scene details
Witnesses described the suspect as wearing a pink T-shirt, jeans, and a cross-body bag while brandishing the knives. One witness told local media that the woman was seen with two knives and charged at officers after being tased. Bystanders captured video of the confrontation, showing a group of at least 10 officers surrounding the suspect before the shooting. The NYPD has not yet released the suspect’s name or additional details about the victims.
Police response and ongoing inquiry
The NYPD confirmed the shooting occurred just before 4:30 p.m. ET and is treating the incident as an active investigation. A press briefing was scheduled for later in the day to provide further updates. Authorities have not disclosed whether the suspect made any statements prior to the shooting or if there were any prior interactions with law enforcement.
The incident took place adjacent to One Times Square, a landmark that hosts the annual New Year’s Eve ball drop, underscoring the high-profile nature of the location. The NYPD has not commented on whether the substation’s proximity to the scene played a role in the confrontation.