The tragic Times Square stabbing: Letters to the Editor Sept. 5, 2026

The Issue: A bipolar woman shot dead by cops in Times Square after stabbing two people, one fatally.The tragedies of innocent people being killed recently in New York City by mentally disturbed people has to be addressed (“Manic mom lost mind,” Sept.2).Our brave police officers risk their lives to protect us, but it’s not enough.

We as a city have to spend much more money to build facilities and treatment centers to prevent these tragedies from happening.Most homeless people have mental issues, yet we refuse to treat them against their will.If the city really cared about helping, we’d have facilities large enough to address the problem.

Money should not be an issue.John GiriatThe BronxThe tragic slaying of a mother by a deranged knife wielder is just another reason lawmakers need to pass an involuntary commitment act.These deadly incidents happen all too frequently, as seen when unhinged people slashed innocent victims at Penn Station and Grand Central.How many more New Yorkers must die before our legislators commit to involuntary treatment?Joseph ValenteStaten IslandThe mayor’s idea to have social workers handle situations like the stabbing in Times Square was hatched out of his naivety.He foolishly believes a 911 dispatcher can determine on the phone if a person has the propensity to become violent.Mayor Mamdani’s lack of real world experience is reflected in this and many of his other ideas.

Anyone with experience in the field can attest to the unpredictable behavior of mentally ill people.Thomas UrbanWantaghOnce again, the mental-health system has failed.A Bank of America vice president and new mother of a 5-month-old baby has been slaughtered in a senseless attack.

Erin Piacenti had her whole life ahead of her.Pamela Cisneros had a history of mental problems, but was somehow still walking our streets.This tragedy could have been avoided by getting this woman help.Rob FeuersteinStaten IslandI feel sorry for the woman who was stabbed to death in ...