Knifeman calling himself ‘Lucifer’ slashes three at NYC’s Grand Central

Knifeman calling himself ‘Lucifer’ slashes three at NYC’s Grand Central

A 44-year-old man, identified as Anthony Griffin, attacked three individuals at Grand Central Terminal in New York City before being shot dead by law enforcement. The incident occurred during a chaotic spree that disrupted train operations at the nation’s largest transportation hub. Police described the assailant as wielding a machete and claiming to be Lucifer, while refusing to comply with multiple orders to lower the weapon.

According to authorities, Griffin injured an 84-year-old man and a 65-year-old man on the subway platform, targeting their heads and faces. A 70-year-old woman sustained shoulder wounds during the assault. The attack unfolded in stages, with Griffin first striking one victim on the platform before ascending to another level to target two additional people. The injuries reported included severe cuts and a fractured skull in the second victim.

“Innocent people were attacked in a senseless act of violence,” stated New York Governor Kathy Hochul following the incident.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani commended officers for their quick action, promising to release body camera footage of the event.

NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch detailed that Griffin entered the subway system at Vernon Boulevard–Jackson Avenue in Queens on Saturday morning. He boarded a 7 train heading to Grand Central-42 Street station, where the first attack took place. After moving to a higher platform, he continued the assault. Transit officers responded swiftly at 09:40 EDT, noting that Griffin had ignored at least 20 demands to drop the machete and charged toward them with the blade raised.

One officer fired, killing Griffin with two shots, and emergency personnel began resuscitation efforts. Despite these, the suspect was declared dead at Bellevue Hospital. All three victims were hospitalized, though their injuries were not considered life-threatening. The NYPD advised residents to stay clear of the area while the investigation continued. Griffin had a history of three prior arrests but no prior records linked to emotionally disturbed person (EDP) reports with the department.