Anthony Griffin Obituary, Death; A chaotic and terrifying scene unfolded Saturday morning at one of New York City’s busiest transit hubs after Anthony Griffin, 44, carried out a violent machete attack that left three people injured before being fatally shot by police.
According to the New York City Police Department, officers responded around 9:40 a.m. to reports of multiple stabbings at the 42nd Street–Grand Central subway station. When they arrived, they encountered Griffin, who was reportedly acting erratically and claiming to be “Lucifer,” as stated by Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
Authorities said officers issued at least 20 commands for Griffin to drop his weapon, but he refused and continued to pose a threat. The situation escalated when he advanced toward officers with the knife extended, prompting police to open fire. Griffin was struck and transported to Bellevue Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The three victims — an 84-year-old man, a 65-year-old man, and a 70-year-old woman — sustained injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening. Police said one victim suffered severe cuts to the head and face, another sustained similar injuries along with an open skull fracture, while the woman was treated for a shoulder laceration.
Transit officials, including Joseph Gulotta, indicated that the attacks appeared to be random. Investigators believe Griffin initially assaulted a victim on one platform before moving to another area of the station, where he injured two more individuals.
The incident sent panic through the crowded station, with witnesses describing commuters fleeing for safety as gunshots rang out. Train service was disrupted for several hours, with multiple lines bypassing the station before normal operations resumed later in the day.
As the investigation continues, the violent episode has left many New Yorkers shaken, highlighting ongoing concerns about safety within the city’s transit system.