Knifeman calling himself ‘Lucifer’ slashes three at NYC’s Grand Central
Man Identified as ‘Lucifer’ Slashes Three at Grand Central Station
A 44-year-old man, later named Anthony Griffin, attacked three individuals at New York City’s Grand Central station with a machete before being shot dead by police. The incident disrupted train services at the country’s largest rail station, prompting emergency responses and investigations. The suspect, who referred to himself as Lucifer, targeted two men and a woman on a subway platform, leaving them with severe injuries.
Prior Arrests, No EDP History
According to police reports, Griffin had a history of three previous arrests but no documented records of being classified as an Emotionally Disturbed Person (EDP) by the NYPD. The attack occurred on Saturday morning when he entered the subway system at Vernon Boulevard–Jackson Avenue in Queens. He boarded the 7 train, heading toward Grand Central-42 Street station, where the violence unfolded.
“Innocent people were attacked in a senseless act of violence,” stated New York Governor Kathy Hochul in response to the incident.
Officer Jessica Tisch, NYPD Police Commissioner, described the suspect as advancing toward transit officers with a machete after disregarding at least 20 requests to lower the weapon. The officers were alerted at 09:40 EDT (13:40 GMT) and engaged him on the platform. One officer fired twice, fatally wounding Griffin before medical teams arrived.
Victims and Response
All three victims were transported to Bellevue Hospital with injuries deemed non-life-threatening. The 84-year-old and 65-year-old men sustained serious cuts to their heads and faces, while the 70-year-old woman had a shoulder wound. Tisch emphasized the suspect’s erratic behavior, noting he repeatedly claimed to be Lucifer during the confrontation. The mayor, Zohran Mamdani, commended the officers for their swift reaction and promised to release body camera footage of the event.
Authorities confirmed no link to terrorism in the attack, which unfolded in a crowded subway environment. Police have since advised the public to steer clear of the area while the investigation continues.
