A knife-wielding woman allegedly stabbed two people in the middle of Times Square on Monday afternoon before advancing toward NYPD officers while armed with two knives, prompting police to open fire.
The chaotic incident unfolded shortly before 4:30 p.m. near West 43rd Street and Seventh Avenue, one of the busiest intersections in Manhattan.
Police said the woman, who authorities described as emotionally disturbed, attacked a man and a woman before fleeing north through Times Square.
The suspect then headed toward an NYPD substation while carrying two knives. Officers confronted her as the situation rapidly escalated.
Police initially attempted to stop the armed woman using a Taser rather than deadly force. Authorities said the Taser failed to stop her advance.
With the woman continuing to move toward officers while armed with the knives, police opened fire and struck her.
The suspect and both stabbing victims were rushed to nearby hospitals following the violent encounter. Initial reports did not immediately provide details about their conditions.
Police flooded the Times Square area following the shooting, closing off portions of the heavily traveled tourist district while investigators examined the scene.
The NYPD urged pedestrians and motorists to stay away from West 43rd Street and Seventh Avenue as officers conducted their investigation and warned of significant delays in the surrounding area.
Authorities said preliminary evidence indicated that the attack was not connected to terrorism.
Investigators were working to determine what led to the stabbing spree and whether the two victims had any connection to the woman accused of attacking them.
Officials also began reviewing the police shooting, including the officers’ attempt to use a Taser before resorting to their firearms.
The incident unfolded in broad daylight in the heart of one of New York City’s most heavily populated areas, where thousands of residents, workers and tourists pass through every day.
Video circulating from the scene appeared to capture portions of the confrontation as police surrounded the armed woman before shots were fired.
The attack triggered a massive emergency response and once again put public safety in Times Square under scrutiny following several high-profile incidents in the tourist district.
Police said the investigation remained active as authorities worked to establish the full sequence of events surrounding the double stabbing and subsequent officer-involved shooting.
The post Knife-Wielding Woman Stabs Two in Times Square Before NYPD Officers Open Fire appeared first on Real News Now.
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