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

Knifeman Calling Himself ‘Lucifer’ Slashes Three at NYC’s Grand Central

At 09:40 EDT (13:40 GMT), a 44-year-old man armed with a machete attacked three individuals at New York City’s Grand Central station before being shot dead by police. The incident occurred at the country’s largest rail hub, disrupting train schedules and prompting a swift response from law enforcement.

Suspect’s Actions and Identity

Anthony Griffin, the assailant, was identified as the perpetrator of the random attack. According to police, he ignored repeated commands to lower his weapon and referred to himself as Lucifer. The rampage began when he entered the subway system at Vernon Boulevard–Jackson Avenue in Queens, boarded the 7 train, and proceeded to Grand Central-42 Street station.

“The individual was behaving erratically, repeatedly stating that he was Lucifer,” said NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. She added that the suspect advanced toward officers with the knife extended, despite at least 20 demands to drop the weapon.

Victims of the Attack

Three people were injured in the assault: an 84-year-old man with severe head and facial cuts, a 65-year-old man who suffered similar wounds and a skull fracture, and a 70-year-old woman with a shoulder laceration. All victims were transported to Bellevue Hospital with injuries assessed as non-life-threatening.

Investigation and Aftermath

Transit officers on-site were quick to respond, discharging their weapons and fatally wounding the suspect. Despite efforts to save his life, Griffin was pronounced dead at the hospital. Authorities confirmed no link to terrorism was found, though they urged residents to avoid the area during the ongoing investigation.

Statements from Officials

New York Governor Kathy Hochul described the attack as a “senseless act of violence” targeting innocent individuals. Meanwhile, Mayor Zohran Mamdani commended police for their rapid intervention and announced the release of body camera footage from the event.

The suspect had three prior arrests on record but no history of emotionally disturbed person (EDP) reports with the NYPD. Details of his movements and the sequence of the attack were outlined in the commissioner’s statement, highlighting the chaos he caused during the morning commute.