Knifeman calling himself ‘Lucifer’ slashes three at NYC’s Grand Central
Knifeman calling himself ‘Lucifer’ slashes three at NYC’s Grand Central
A man armed with a machete attacked three individuals at New York City’s Grand Central station, later being shot dead by police. The incident occurred on Saturday morning, causing disruptions to train services at the nation’s primary rail hub.
According to authorities, the suspect, Anthony Griffin, 44, targeted two elderly men and a woman on a subway platform. He inflicted severe head and facial cuts on an 84-year-old man, while a 65-year-old man received similar injuries, including a skull fracture. A 70-year-old woman sustained shoulder wounds during the assault.
Officer Response and Suspect Behavior
Two transit officers nearby spotted the assailant at 09:40 EDT (13:40 GMT). They reported that he was wielding a large knife, described as a machete, and was acting erratically, declaring his name as Lucifer. Despite multiple warnings to lower the weapon, he continued his attack and charged toward the officers with the blade raised.
“The individual was behaving erratically, repeatedly stating that he was Lucifer,” said NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. She noted the suspect ignored at least 20 commands to drop the weapon before being fatally shot.
Following the shooting, the suspect was pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital. All three victims, though injured, were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening conditions. New York police advised residents to steer clear of the area while the investigation continues.
Authorities’ Statements
New York Governor Kathy Hochul described the attack as “a senseless act of violence” in a statement, emphasizing the impact on innocent civilians. Mayor Zohran Mamdani commended the police for their swift action, promising to release body camera footage of the incident.
Commissioner Tisch revealed that Griffin had previously been arrested three times but had no documented history with the NYPD as an emotionally disturbed person. The attack, which diverted trains, remains under review for potential connections to terrorism.
