Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Manhattan

NEW YORK – The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Pamela Cisneros, who died on August 31, 2026, following an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Manhattan.

On the afternoon of August 31, Ms. Cisneros stabbed two people in Times Square in Manhattan. At approximately 4:26 p.m., NYPD officers encountered Ms. Cisneros, who was holding a knife in each hand, on the sidewalk on Seventh Avenue between West 42nd and West 43rd Streets. The officers ordered Ms. Cisneros to drop the knives, but she did not comply. Three of the officers then discharged Tasers with no apparent effect. Ms. Cisneros then allegedly moved toward the officers while holding the knives. Two officers discharged their service weapons, striking Ms. Cisneros. Ms. Cisneros was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

These are preliminary facts and subject to change.