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

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

A 44-year-old man armed with a machete launched a random assault on three individuals at New York City’s Grand Central station before being fatally shot by police. The attack disrupted train operations at the country’s largest transportation hub, prompting emergency responses and widespread concern.

According to police, the suspect targeted an 84-year-old man and a 65-year-old man, inflicting severe cuts to their heads and faces. A 70-year-old woman also sustained shoulder injuries during the incident. The attacker, identified as Anthony Griffin, was described as erratic and defiant, refusing to heed multiple commands to lower his weapon.

“Innocent people were attacked in a senseless act of violence,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul in a statement following the incident.

Officer responses were swift, with two transit personnel alerting authorities at 09:40 EDT (13:40 GMT). Commissioner Jessica Tisch of the NYPD revealed that the assailant had boarded the 7 train from Vernon Boulevard–Jackson Avenue in Queens. He first struck one victim on the platform, then moved upstairs to attack two others. “The individual was armed with a large knife, identified as a machete, and was acting erratically, repeatedly claiming to be Lucifer,” Tisch stated.

“Officers acted quickly to neutralize the threat, and body camera footage of the incident will be released,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who highlighted the rapid intervention during a press briefing.

Griffin had three prior arrests but no prior records with the NYPD indicating emotional disturbance. After ignoring at least 20 demands to drop the weapon, he advanced toward officers with the blade raised. One officer fired, striking him twice, and he was later pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital. All three victims received treatment for injuries deemed non-life-threatening.

Authorities confirmed no link to terrorism was found, though the attack’s unpredictability and the suspect’s self-proclamation as “Lucifer” sparked questions about his motives. The NYPD urged residents to remain cautious in the area as investigations continued.