Knifeman calling himself ‘Lucifer’ slashes three at NYC’s Grand Central
Knife Attack at Grand Central Station Leaves Three Injured
At New York City’s Grand Central station, a suspect wielding a machete launched a random assault that forced train services to halt operations at the country’s largest rail terminal. The attacker, identified as Anthony Griffin, 44, was ultimately shot dead by law enforcement after ignoring repeated calls to lower his weapon.
Victims Suffered Non-Life-Threatening Injuries
According to police reports, Griffin targeted two men and a woman on a subway platform, inflicting severe cuts to the head and face on the elderly victims. One 84-year-old man endured significant lacerations, while another 65-year-old man sustained similar injuries, including an open skull fracture. A 70-year-old woman was also reported with shoulder wounds, though her condition was deemed stable.
“Innocent people were attacked in a senseless act of violence,” stated New York Governor Kathy Hochul, addressing the incident in a public statement.
Panic Erupts as Officer Intervention Ends the Attack
Two transit officers, stationed nearby, responded swiftly to the chaos at 09:40 EDT (13:40 GMT). They described the assailant as wielding a large knife, akin to a machete, and acting erratically while declaring himself “Lucifer.” Despite at least 20 verbal demands to surrender the blade, Griffin advanced toward the officers with the weapon raised. One officer fired, striking the suspect twice, before paramedics administered emergency care. The attacker was later pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital.
“The officers’ rapid response prevented further harm,” remarked Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who highlighted the release of body camera footage as part of the investigation.
Background on the Suspect Revealed
NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that Griffin entered the subway system at Vernon Boulevard–Jackson Avenue in Queens on Saturday morning. He boarded the 7 train, where he first attacked a passenger on the platform before moving upstairs to strike two additional victims. Tisch noted that while Griffin had a history of prior arrests, there was no record of an Emotionally Disturbed Person (EDP) report with the department. The authorities have not indicated any link to terrorism in the incident.
Residents were advised to steer clear of the area as investigations continue. The incident has sparked discussions about public safety measures at high-traffic transit hubs.
