Letitia James Investigates Times Square Police Shooting Amid GOP Criticism of Mental Health Response

<p>New York Attorney General Letitia James is conducting a legally mandated investigation into the police shooting of a woman who fatally stabbed Erin Piacenti, a Bank of America executive, in Times Square. James' office announced on Wednesday that it will investigate the death of Pamela Cisneros, who was armed with two knives when confronted by police. Officers shot her after she failed to comply with orders to drop the weapons and advanced toward them.</p><p>According to state law, the Attorney General's Office of Special Investigation must investigate all deaths caused by police officers. Republican candidate for Attorney General, Saritha Komatireddy, criticized the investigation, stating that it does not address the underlying issue of mental health. She emphasized the need for more effective measures to manage individuals with documented mental health issues.</p><p>"The problem is that we have people who are known dangerous individuals, people with documented mental illness," Komatireddy told Fox News Digital. "They've been in the courts before, or they've been to the hospitals before. The police know exactly who they are, but we have no ability to take care of them."</p><p>A spokesperson for James accused Komatireddy of attempting to gain political advantage from the situation, asserting that the investigation is legally required under New York’s Executive Law.</p><p>New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, known for his critical stance on police, praised the officers for their actions in preventing further harm during the incident.</p><p>New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch noted that while Cisneros did not have a criminal record, police had responded to two prior incidents involving her mental health. In March 2019, she attempted suicide by jumping onto subway tracks and was subsequently hospitalized. In March 2018, police encountered her in a distressed state.</p><p>Under New York's Mental Hygiene Law, individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others can be taken for a psychological hold, but many with severe mental illnesses are often released shortly after being admitted.</p><p>Komatireddy stated that she observed individuals with severe mental health issues in Times Square days after the stabbing, calling for a comprehensive solution to the ongoing crisis.</p><p>She proposed the creation of an Office of Civil Commitment to monitor and assist individuals at high risk, which would involve collaboration between law enforcement and medical professionals.</p><p>Greene County Sheriff Peter Kusminsky highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing psychiatric crises, noting a lack of resources and appropriate facilities for individuals in need of care.</p><p>"Additionally, we really struggle when we have people in custody who we aren't equipped to handle, and secure beds are even harder to find," Kusminsky said. "It sometimes takes weeks or months to locate once and when we do, they are maybe on the other side of the state and at an exorbitant cost."</p><p>Komatireddy concluded that the state must intervene to improve the situation for those in crisis.</p>