Machete-Wielding Suspect Shot by Police After Slashing 3 at NYC's Grand Central

The assailant, who called himself 'Lucifer,' ignored over 20 demands to drop the weapon before being fatally shot by officers.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:08pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a machete blade, the metal surface reflecting a harsh, bright light against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the violence of the attack at Grand Central Station.A stark, gritty close-up of the weapon used in a violent attack at a major New York transit hub exposes the harsh realities of urban crime.Queens Today

A 44-year-old man wielding a machete attacked three people at New York City's Grand Central Station before being fatally shot by police. The suspect, identified as Anthony Griffin, slashed an 84-year-old man and a 65-year-old man about the head and face, and left a 70-year-old woman with cuts to her shoulder on the subway platform. Police said Griffin ignored repeated demands to drop the weapon and called himself 'Lucifer' during the rampage.

Why it matters

The incident at Grand Central, one of the nation's busiest transportation hubs, highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and mental health issues in New York City. The attack disrupted train service and prompted a large police response, underscoring the challenges authorities face in dealing with violent, erratic behavior in crowded urban environments.

The details

According to police, the suspect entered the subway system in Queens and boarded a 7 train to Grand Central-42 Street station, where he began slashing people on the platform. He then moved upstairs to another platform and attacked two more victims. Transit officers in the vicinity were alerted at 9:40 a.m. EDT and confronted the suspect, who was armed with a large machete-style knife and behaving erratically. The officers issued over 20 demands for the suspect to drop the weapon, but he advanced towards them with the knife extended, prompting one officer to fatally shoot him.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday morning around 9:40 a.m. EDT.
  • The suspect entered the subway system in Queens and traveled to Grand Central Station.

The players

Anthony Griffin

A 44-year-old man who attacked three people with a machete at Grand Central Station before being fatally shot by police.

NYPD

The New York City Police Department, whose officers responded to the incident and fatally shot the suspect.

Kathy Hochul

The Governor of New York, who praised the police for their quick response and for preventing additional violence.

Zohran Mamdani

The Mayor of New York City, who also commended the officers for their quick response and for preventing further violence.

Jessica Tisch

The NYPD Police Commissioner, who provided details about the incident and the suspect's actions.

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What they’re saying

“Innocent people were attacked in a senseless act of violence.”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York

“I'm grateful to our brave officers who acted quickly to stop the suspect.”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York

“The individual was armed with a large knife, described as a machete, and was behaving erratically, repeatedly stating that he was Lucifer.”

— Jessica Tisch, NYPD Police Commissioner

What’s next

The NYPD has said it will release body camera footage of the incident, and the investigation is ongoing.

The takeaway

This attack at a major transportation hub highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing mental health issues and public safety in New York City. The quick response by police prevented further violence, but the incident raises questions about how to better identify and assist individuals who may pose a threat to themselves and others.