The family of a banking executive who was stabbed in Times Square have paid tribute to the ‘thoughtful and devoted’ mother.
Erin Piacenti, 32, was named as the victim in the rampage at the Crossroads of the World, which also saw an elderly man stabbed.
The female suspect, Pamela Cisneros, 49, is said to have randomly attacked strangers with two kitchen knives in the packed tourist attraction before police shot her dead.
Ms Piacenti was employed by Bank of America in New York City, working as the Vice President of Business Selection and Conflicts.
A GoFundMe was started by Ms Piacenti’s brother-in-law and said that becoming a mother had been Erin’s ‘lifelong ambition’.
‘Five months ago, Erin and her husband, Frank, welcomed their first child, Madison. Becoming a mother was Erin’s lifelong ambition, and Madison gave her the greatest possible joy. August 31 was Erin’s first day returning to work after her maternity leave,’ it read.
‘Erin’s life was defined not by the circumstances of her death, but instead by the way she lived.
‘Erin was deeply devoted to her family and friends, exceptionally bright and accomplished, and was someone who brought warmth and energy to the people around her.’
Ms Piacenti graduated from the University of Pennsylvania before graduating from law school at Fordham University.
The fundraiser added: ‘Erin’s career accomplishments, however, speak to only a small portion of who she was. To the people who knew and loved her, Erin was a thoughtful daughter and sister, a loyal friend, a devoted partner and companion in every aspect of Frank’s life, and, most recently, an incredibly loving mother to Madison.
‘Erin and Frank celebrated their second wedding anniversary this summer, had just returned from a family road trip upon her passing, and were preparing to build a life together with their new daughter.
‘That life changed incomprehensibly in an instant.’
All proceeds from the fundraiser will go towards the life of Ms Erin Piacenti’s daughter, Madison, and help support her husband.
The attack lasted around 20 seconds and took place in the heart of Times Square, authorities said.
New York City’s mayor, Zohran Mamdani, said the assailant was carrying ‘multiple knives.’
The second victim was a 68-year-old man, who was also knifed in the abdomen. He is said to be in a stable condition in the hospital.
The assailant was given ‘numerous commands to drop the knives,’ which she allegedly refused to do during the stand-off in front of crowds.
YPD’s Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the incident as ‘random and unprovoked’ in an area bustling with thousands of visitors, families and commuters.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
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