Not terror-related: Woman stabs two near Times Square, shot dead by police

On Monday, a woman from Queens stabbed two individuals in New York City's Times Square before being fatally shot by police, officials have reported. The incident, captured on video, showed the woman wielding two kitchen knives as she approached victims near West 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue. Both victims were taken to the hospital and are currently listed as stable.

The woman also succumbed to her injuries. While the police have not specified whether the victims were tourists or New York City residents, police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that officers spent several minutes attempting to persuade her to relinquish the knives. The woman reportedly refused, stating that she would rather kill both officers.

The taser, which is a non-lethal weapon, failed to deter her and she continued advancing towards the officers while brandishing the knives. Two officers ultimately opened fire, resulting in her death. Tisch emphasized that the situation was exceptionally dangerous in the heart of Times Square, a globally recognized hub. She disclosed that the woman had a documented history of mental illness, but no prior arrest record.

She also indicated that there was no evidence suggesting the attack was terrorism-related. Mayor Zohran Mamdani of New York City expressed condolences to the victims' families, acknowledging the profound impact on their lives. He also praised the NYPD officers for their quick actions, stating that the situation could have escalated to a much worse outcome.