Bank of America executive stabbed to death in broad daylight in Manhattan

A 32-year-old Bank of America executive has died after being attacked in broad daylight in Midtown Manhattan in what police have described as a random act of violence.

The victim was identified by the New York City Police Department as Erin Piacenti, a corporate vice president in the bank’s business selection and conflicts division.

The attack happened on Monday afternoon near the intersection of West 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue, close to Bank of America’s headquarters at One Bryant Park.

A 68-year-old man was also stabbed several times during the incident. He was taken to hospital and remains in stable condition.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said officers responding to the scene found 49-year-old Pamela Cisneros armed with two large kitchen knives.

In a video circulating online, Cisneros can be seen advancing towards officers despite repeated commands to drop the knives. Police first used a Taser, but when it failed to stop her, officers opened fire.

Cisneros was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities later said she had a documented history of severe mental health problems.

Bank of America expressed grief over Piacenti’s death, describing her as a valued colleague.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague. She was a valued teammate who will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to her family and all of her loved ones,” the bank said, according to Reuters.

Piacenti earned a Juris Doctor degree from Fordham Law School in 2021 and joined Bank of America about 18 months ago.

Her death has drawn reactions online, with social media users expressing shock over the seemingly random attack.