A person was killed, and another was injured in a stabbing by a woman armed with knives near Times Square in New York City on Monday afternoon, authorities said.

Police confirmed the suspect was shot and killed by police after she refused to put the knives down.

"One of the victims has passed away," New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said at a press briefing. "The second victim is currently in the hospital in stable condition."

The suspect, who appeared to be emotionally disturbed, threatened people with two long knives before stabbing the victims, a witness told police.

Jessica Tisch, police commissioner of New York City, called the incident "a random and unprovoked attack."

Police closed roads in the surrounding area as the investigation continued.