Reuters reported on September 1 that Bank of America, the second-largest bank in the United States, announced that a vice president of the bank was killed after being stabbed in Times Square, New York, on the afternoon of August 31. This was a random attack that occurred in the heart of the city's tourist area, under daylight.
New York City police confirmed that the deceased was 32-year-old Irene Piacenetti. The American Bank confirmed the employee's passing, and an internal memo also verified her identity. According to her LinkedIn profile, Piacenetti was a VP in the Commercial Selection and Compliance Department of the American Bank.
The victim of this attack is Eileen Piacenza. Video screenshot
The documents also show that Piacenza earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 2016, and then a law degree from Fordham University in 2021. U.S. President Donald Trump was also a student at this university. Fordham Law School stated in a statement, “Her passing is heartbreaking.”
According to US magazine People, Piacenzi recently celebrated their second wedding anniversary with her husband Frank, who is a lawyer. Real estate records reviewed by the media show that the couple also purchased their first house in Chester, New Jersey.
The American bank’s Manhattan office is located near Times Square. In an email sent to Reuters on the 1st, the bank stated: "We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our colleague. She was a valuable member of our team, and we will cherish her memories. Our hearts are with her family and everyone who loved her."
New York police said in their statement that there was another victim, a 68-year-old man. As he was preparing to cross the street with his wife, the suspect stabbed him in the abdomen with a knife. New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that the man is stable.
Tish revealed that the attack occurred on Monday at around 4:24 p.m. Eastern Time in the United States, near West 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue. The attack appeared to be random and without any apparent reason.
New York police said that when officers arrived at the scene, they found a 49-year-old woman named Pamela Sisneros holding two knives and approaching the officers. The officers fired at Sisneros, and she was later declared dead. Tish said that Sisneros had a documented history of mental illness.
New York police revealed video footage of the weapon used in the crime
Matthew Kold, President of the Global Corporate and Investment Banking Department at a U.S. bank, described Piaceniti as “a deeply loved colleague and friend” in an internal memo.
Kodell wrote in the memo: "Eileen is an important member of the Business Selection and Compliance Conflict Team. She has been with our company for 18 months. Many people are deeply affected by her departure."
Kodell stated that the security teams of American banks are "fully cooperating with the police's investigations here, and continue to handle matters related to the safety of our offices and colleagues."
