Machete Attack at Grand Central Station Leaves 3 Injured, Suspect Dead

Police shoot and kill suspect after he refuses orders to drop weapon and advances toward officers

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:22pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a machete blade against a pitch-black background, the harsh lighting creating a stark, investigative aesthetic without any additional context or elements.A stark, gritty close-up of the weapon used in a violent attack at a busy New York City transit hub, highlighting the dangers of unchecked violence.NYC Today

A 44-year-old man attacked three older adults with a machete at New York's Grand Central Terminal on Saturday morning, leaving them with non-life-threatening injuries. Police officers at the scene confronted the suspect, identified as Anthony Griffin, and ordered him multiple times to drop the weapon, but he refused and advanced toward the officers, who then shot and killed him.

Why it matters

The incident has raised concerns about public safety and security in one of New York City's busiest transportation hubs, with authorities investigating the suspect's motives and prior criminal history.

The details

According to police, Griffin entered the subway at a station in Queens around 9:30 a.m. and took the train to Grand Central Station. Once there, he attacked an 84-year-old man, causing significant head and facial injuries, and then went to a different platform where he stabbed a 65-year-old man, who sustained an open skull fracture, and a 70-year-old woman, who was cut on the shoulder. Police were alerted to the attack by a civilian and confronted Griffin, ordering him at least 20 times to drop the machete, but he refused and advanced toward the officers, who then shot him twice, killing him.

  • The attacks occurred around 9:40 a.m. EDT on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
  • Police were alerted to the incident by a civilian at 9:40 a.m. EDT.

The players

Anthony Griffin

A 44-year-old man who attacked three older adults with a machete at Grand Central Terminal and was shot and killed by police.

Jessica Tisch

New York Police Commissioner, who provided details about the incident at a press conference.

Zohran Mamdani

The Mayor of New York, who thanked the police officers for their quick response and preventing additional violence.

Kathy Hochul

The Governor of New York, who was briefed on the attack and praised the bravery of the police officers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Our officers were confronted with an armed individual who had already injured multiple people and was continuing to pose a threat. They gave clear commands. They attempted to de-escalate, and when that threat did not stop, they took decisive action to stop it and to protect New Yorkers on one of the busiest train platforms in the city.”

— Jessica Tisch, New York Police Commissioner

“I'm grateful to the NYPD for their quick response and for preventing additional violence.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York

“I'm grateful to our brave officers who acted quickly to stop the suspect. We're working closely with the NYPD as the investigation unfolds.”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York

What’s next

The NYPD is conducting an internal investigation and will release body-worn camera footage from the incident, as it does in all cases involving the discharge of an officer's firearm.

The takeaway

This attack has raised concerns about public safety and security in one of New York City's busiest transportation hubs, with authorities investigating the suspect's motives and prior criminal history to determine if any additional measures are needed to protect commuters and visitors to Grand Central Terminal.