Bank of America vice president killed in Times Square stabbing

A Bank of America vice president was ​killed in a stabbing in New York City's Times Square, the second-biggest US lender said on Tuesday, a ‌random incident that took place in broad daylight in the heart of the city's tourist industry.

The incident brought the streets of the area in Midtown Manhattan to a halt on Monday as emergency vehicles swarmed between the skyscrapers.

The deceased was Erin Piacenti, 32, according to the New York City Police Department (NYPD). Bank ​of America confirmed the loss of a staff member and an internal memo seen by Reuters confirmed her identity. Piacenti ​was a vice president in Bank of America's business selection and conflicts unit, according to her LinkedIn profile.

"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 US banking giant said in an emailed statement to Reuters ​on Tuesday. Bank of America's Manhattan office is located a stone's throw from Times Square at One Bryant Park.

An unnamed 68-year-old man also suffered stab wounds in the attack and was in stable condition, the NYPD said in a statement.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the attack, which took place on Monday around 4:24 ​p.m. ET in the vicinity of West 42 Street and Seventh Avenue, appeared to be random and unprovoked.

The NYPD said when officers ​arrived on the scene they found Pamela Cisneros, a 49-year-old woman, who was brandishing two large knives and advanced toward officers. Officers shot Cisneros, and ‌she was ⁠later pronounced dead. Tisch said Cisneros had a documented mental health history.

Bank of America's president of Global Corporate & Investment Banking Matthew Koder described Piacenti as a "cherished teammate and friend" in an internal memo seen by Reuters.

"Erin was a valued member of the Business Selection and Conflicts team, having joined the bank 18 months ago," Koder wrote in the memo. "Her loss is being felt deeply by ​many."

Koder said that Bank of America's ​security teams were "fully engaged in ⁠supporting the police investigation here, and in addressing the ongoing safety and security of our offices and teammates."