Man Shot Dead by Police After Machete Attack Injures Three at New York City’s Grand Central Station

A man armed with a machete injured three people in a series of random attacks before being shot and killed by police at the 42nd Street-Grand Central subway station in New York City on Saturday morning, authorities confirmed.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said officers responded to reports of stabbings at the busy transit hub at 9:40 a.m. They confronted the assailant, identified as 44-year-old Anthony Griffin, who was behaving erratically and claiming he was “Lucifer.” Tisch stated officers gave at least 20 commands for Griffin to drop his weapon. When he failed to comply and advanced toward them, an officer shot him twice. Griffin was pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital.

The attack left three victims wounded: an 84-year-old man, a 65-year-old man, and a 70-year-old woman. According to police, injuries included significant lacerations to the head and face, an open skull fracture, and a shoulder wound. None of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening. Chief of Transit Joseph Gulotta reported that the attacks appeared to be random and began on one subway platform before the suspect moved to another level to assault additional victims.

The incident forced authorities to temporarily halt subway service at Grand Central, with travelers advised to avoid the area and expect delays. Service resumed in the afternoon after several hours of disruption, the Metropolitan Transit Authority reported.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed gratitude to the officers who intervened, stating they acted quickly to stop the suspect. Tisch noted Griffin had three prior unsealed arrests. The investigation into the attack is ongoing, and officials have not indicated any ongoing threat to the public.