UNITED STATES: NYPD shoots dead knife-wielding woman after she allegedly stabbed two people, killing one, in Times Square
A woman was shot dead by NYPD officers in Times Square after she allegedly stabbed two people, killing one of them, before confronting police while armed with two knives.
The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon near West 41st Street and Seventh Avenue in Manhattan.
According to police, the woman allegedly stabbed a 68-year-old man in the abdomen before moving on and stabbing a 32-year-old woman in what authorities described as an unprovoked attack. The younger woman later died from her injuries.
Officers reportedly found the suspect a block away, armed with two knives
Police said officers spent several minutes ordering her to drop the weapons, but she refused.
She allegedly told officers, “I’m not dropping anything. I would rather kill both of you. I will kill you.”
Police deployed multiple tasers, but authorities said they were ineffective. The woman allegedly continued moving toward the officers while holding the knives, prompting two officers to open fire.
She was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The NYPD said the woman had a documented history of mental health-related incidents with the department but had no previous arrests.
Authorities said the incident is not believed to be terrorism-related, and an investigation into the police shooting is underway.
The surviving stabbing victim was taken to hospital for treatment, while police continue investigating the motive behind the attacks.