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 armed with a machete launched an unprovoked attack on three individuals at Grand Central Terminal, a central transportation hub in New York City. Police swiftly intervened, shooting the suspect after he ignored repeated commands to lower the weapon. The incident caused temporary disruptions to train services, as the assailant moved through the station’s platforms.

The attacker, identified as Anthony Griffin, targeted two elderly men and a woman. He inflicted severe head and facial injuries on an 84-year-old man and a 65-year-old man, while a 70-year-old woman sustained cuts to her shoulder. According to officials, the violence occurred on a subway platform, with the suspect later advancing toward transit officers before being fatally shot.

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

Mayor Zohran Mamdani commended the police for their quick response, promising to release body camera footage of the event. NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch detailed the suspect’s movements, noting he boarded the 7 train from Vernon Boulevard–Jackson Avenue in Queens. After slashing one victim on the platform, he proceeded upstairs to attack two others, resulting in critical injuries for both men.

“The individual was armed with a large knife, described as a machete, and was behaving erratically, repeatedly stating that he was Lucifer,” said Tisch. She added that the suspect had disregarded at least 20 requests to drop the weapon before charging toward officers.

Two transit officers responded to the scene at 09:40 EDT (13:40 GMT), where they confronted the attacker. One officer fired twice, wounding Griffin, and the suspect was later pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital. All three victims received medical treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. Police advised residents to stay clear of the area while the investigation continued.

Griffin had a history of three prior arrests but no documented records of being classified as an Emotionally Disturbed Person (EDP) by the NYPD. Authorities confirmed no link to terrorism was found in the case.