Times Square stabbing: Suspect posted about attacking strangers months earlier on social media

A disturbing digital trail has emerged following the deadly stabbing spree in New York’s Times Square, with investigators examining social media posts in which the suspect allegedly discussed attacking strangers months before the incident.

...s, as per the New York Post, are now part of the New York City Police Department’s (NYPD) investigation into what led to the unprovoked attack in Midtown Manhattan, which left one person dead and another with life-threatening injuries. Police later shot the suspect during a confrontation.

Online posts hinted at violence months before attack

Law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation said social media accounts linked to the suspect contained several troubling posts in the months before the attack.

One of ...s reportedly referred to a desire to “stab people for no reason.”

Investigators are also examining other online activity that appeared to focus on random violence, attacks on strangers and confrontations with police.

Authorities are trying to establish whether ...s represented missed warning signs or reflected a wider mental health crisis. They are also reviewing the suspect’s digital activity to determine whether anyone else encouraged or influenced the alleged behaviour.

How the Times Square attack unfolded

The attack took place near the intersection of 42nd Street and Seventh Avenue, close to the NYPD’s Times Square substation.

According to police, the suspect attacked two pedestrians without provocation, fatally stabbing Erin Piacenti, 32, a Bank of America vice president, in the abdomen. Piacenti, who was from Chester, New Jersey, later died from her injuries.

The second victim, a 68-year-old man, suffered serious injuries and remains hospitalised in stable condition. The suspect was carrying two large knives when she fled towards police officers stationed nearby.

Bystander video showed officers confronting the suspect and ordering her to drop the weapons. Police first used a less-lethal Taser in an attempt to stop the suspect, but it failed to subdue her.

Officers then opened fire as the suspect continued moving towards them while armed with the knives. The suspect was taken to a nearby hospital and later pronounced dead.

The NYPD’s Force Investigation Division is reviewing the police shooting, while detectives continue to examine the suspect’s devices and online accounts.

Investigators are also looking into whether the suspect had links to other individuals or online communities that may have encouraged the alleged violent behaviour.