Over $650,000 Raised for Daughter of Bank of America VP Killed in Random Times Square Attack
POLICY WIRE — New York, USA — A community-led fundraising effort for the infant daughter of a Bank of America vice president killed in a Times Square stabbing has generated more than $650,000 in less...
POLICY WIRE — New York, USA — A community-led fundraising effort for the infant daughter of a Bank of America vice president killed in a Times Square stabbing has generated more than $650,000 in less than a week.
The victim, 32-year-old Erin Piacenti, was murdered on Monday during what was her first day returning to the office following maternity leave.
The attack occurred in Manhattan, a short distance from her place of employment, as Piacenti stopped at a sunglasses vendor while commuting home.
Police identified the assailant as 49-year-old Pamela Cisneros of Queens, who was shot and killed by NYPD officers at the scene.
According to New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the violent encounter was unprovoked and random.
Bystanders reported seeing Cisneros wielding two knives before she stabbed Piacenti and a 68-year-old man.
Officers attempted to subdue Cisneros with two Tasers after she refused to surrender her weapons and made threats toward the police, leading to the fatal shooting.
A GoFundMe page established for Piacenti’s five-month-old daughter, Madison, has become a focal point for those wishing to honor the young mother’s memory.
The fundraiser states that the money is intended to ensure Madison is supported as she grows up surrounded by the love of family and friends.
The campaign noted that the fund provides a way for colleagues, friends, and strangers moved by the tragedy to help care for the child Erin loved above all else.
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As of Thursday afternoon, the total donations had climbed past the $650,000 mark.
Just days before the incident, Piacenti posted a photo on social media with her daughter, expressing deep gratitude for the five months of maternity leave she spent with the girl.
The fundraiser described Piacenti as a devoted partner to her husband, Frank, a loyal friend, and a thoughtful sister and daughter.
Piacenti and Frank had celebrated two years of marriage this past summer and were planning their future as new parents.
The fundraiser remarked that their lives were changed incomprehensibly in a single moment.
The couple first met while attending Fordham Law School.
Piacenti’s academic background included a 2016 political science degree from the University of Pennsylvania, where she was active in Dischord A Cappella and the Alpha Phi sorority.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
