Body camera footage released by the NYPD on Friday shows the moments leading up to the fatal shooting of Pamela Cisneros, a 49-year-old woman, in Times Square on August 31. The footage captures police attempting to persuade Cisneros to drop two knives after she had allegedly attacked two individuals, including a 68-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman, resulting in one death.
Cisneros, who was reportedly experiencing mental health issues, was seen holding two kitchen knives as officers Ryan Brito and Francis Gagliano engaged with her. Officers pleaded with her to put the knives down, with Brito stating, "Put the knife down," and trying to connect with her emotionally by discussing the difficulties of life in New York City.
During the exchange, Cisneros expressed feelings of despair, stating, "I’m tired of this world already," and indicated a willingness to harm herself or others. Despite the officers' attempts to calm her, she refused to drop the knives and began to charge at them while waving the weapons.
In response, officers Joseph O’Connor and Steven Darcy fired three shots at Cisneros, who subsequently collapsed on the sidewalk. She was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Cisneros had a known history of mental health issues, including a previous suicide attempt.