A stabbing in Times Square today has triggered a major police and emergency response in Manhattan after a woman allegedly stabbed two people before being confronted and shot by NYPD officers.
The incident happened Monday afternoon, August 31, 2026, near West 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue, one of the busiest areas of Times Square. Police said the stabbing occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m.
Two People Stabbed in Times Square
According to police, the female suspect attacked a man and a woman with a knife in the area.
The two stabbing victims were taken to hospital for treatment. Initial reports described their injuries as serious, with later reporting indicating that their conditions were considered life-threatening.
The attack prompted a rapid response from NYPD officers and emergency medical personnel as tourists and pedestrians gathered in the heavily populated Midtown area.
NYPD Shoots Suspect
After allegedly stabbing the two victims, the woman fled north toward an NYPD substation.
Officers confronted her near the police facility and ordered her to drop the knife. Police said she refused to comply and pointed the weapon toward officers.
Officers subsequently opened fire, striking the woman. Reuters reported that the suspect had been armed with a large kitchen knife and that the shooting occurred after officers confronted her.
The suspect was transported to a hospital for treatment.
Five People Hospitalized
Spectrum News reported that five people were hospitalized, including the two stabbing victims, the suspect and two police officers.
The circumstances surrounding the officers’ reported injuries were not immediately clear in the initial reports.
Authorities have continued working to secure the scene and determine exactly how the confrontation unfolded.
Times Square Police Response
The incident generated a large emergency presence around Seventh Avenue and West 42nd Street.
Police cordoned off portions of the area while detectives investigated and emergency personnel treated those injured.
Because Times Square is one of New York City’s busiest tourist destinations, the police response attracted significant attention from visitors and pedestrians in the area.
Authorities urged people to avoid the immediate area while the investigation was underway.
Motive Under Investigation
The motive behind the stabbing has not been established.
Early reporting indicated that police were investigating the circumstances of the attack and had not identified a clear motive. Authorities have also indicated that the incident is not being treated as terrorism.
Investigators are expected to review surveillance footage, interview witnesses and examine evidence recovered from the scene.
Investigation Continues
The NYPD investigation remains ongoing.
Officials have not yet released the identities of the two stabbing victims or the suspect in the initial reports.
Further details concerning the suspect’s background, the relationship between the people involved and what led to the confrontation are expected as detectives continue their investigation.
The area around West 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue may experience continued police activity and temporary restrictions while investigators complete their work.
The Times Square stabbing has left two people seriously injured and prompted an officer-involved shooting after police confronted the alleged knife-wielding attacker Monday afternoon. The suspect was also hospitalized, while two NYPD officers were reportedly among five people taken for medical treatment. Authorities continue investigating the circumstances and motive behind the attack, which is not currently being treated as terrorism.