Attacks left another person injured in the heart of Manhattan; police say the victims appear to have been chosen at random
A 49-year-old woman was fatally shot by police after stabbing two people in Times Square, one of New York City’s busiest and most popular tourist areas. One of the victims died.
The attack happened Monday afternoon, August 31, near One Times Square and an NYPD police station.
Two attacks within minutes
According to the NYPD, the first victim was a 68-year-old man. He was stabbed and injured.
Shortly afterward, the suspect allegedly attacked a 32-year-old woman, stabbing her in the abdomen. She was taken to a hospital but died from her injuries.
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said that, based on the information available so far, the attacks appear to have been random and unprovoked.
Confrontation with police
After the attacks, officers located the suspect near the NYPD station in Times Square. According to authorities, she was armed with two large kitchen knives.
Officers repeatedly ordered the woman to drop the weapons. A Taser was deployed, but police said it failed to stop her.
When the suspect allegedly advanced toward the officers while still holding the knives, police opened fire. She was shot and killed.
Investigation continues
According to police, the woman lived in Queens and had no prior arrest record. Authorities said, however, that she had a documented history of mental health-related incidents.
So far, investigators have found no indication that the attack was related to terrorism.
The identities of the suspect and the two victims had not been released as authorities worked to notify their families.
Source: NBC News and Associated Press
