Knifeman calling himself ‘Lucifer’ slashes three at NYC’s Grand Central
Knifeman Identified as ‘Lucifer’ Injures Three in Grand Central Attack
On Saturday, a man armed with a machete attacked three individuals at New York City’s Grand Central station before being shot dead by police. The incident, which occurred at the country’s largest rail hub, caused temporary disruptions to train services. The assailant, later named Anthony Griffin, 44, was described as acting erratically and refusing to comply with commands to lower his weapon.
According to police, Griffin targeted two elderly men and a woman on a subway platform. The first victim, an 84-year-old man, suffered severe head and facial cuts, while a 65-year-old man endured similar injuries and a fractured skull. The woman, 70, sustained shoulder wounds. The attack unfolded as Griffin moved between platforms, striking victims in quick succession.
Commissioner Jessica Tisch of the NYPD revealed that the suspect boarded a 7 train from Vernon Boulevard–Jackson Avenue in Queens. Officers on the scene reported the individual was shouting “Lucifer” and waving the machete. At 09:40 EDT (13:40 GMT), two transit officers noticed the threat and intervened. After Griffin ignored at least 20 requests to put down his weapon, one officer fired, killing him. The suspect was transported to Bellevue Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
“Innocent people were attacked in a senseless act of violence,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul in a statement following the incident.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani commended the police for their swift action, promising to release body camera footage of the event. Tisch noted Griffin had no prior records as an emotionally disturbed person, though he had three previous arrests. The police department advised civilians to stay clear of the area while the investigation continued.
The attack left all three victims with non-life-threatening injuries, who were treated at the hospital. Authorities confirmed no ties to terrorism were found, focusing instead on the suspect’s apparent motive and erratic behavior during the assault.