NYPD Fatally Shoots Machete-Wielding Attacker at Grand Central Station

Three elderly victims hospitalized after violent subway platform assault

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:04pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a machete blade, the metal surface reflecting a harsh, direct flash of light against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the violence of a subway attack.A stark, gritty close-up of the weapon used in a violent subway attack exposes the harsh realities of crime in New York City's transit system.Queens Today

A 44-year-old man wielding a machete slashed three elderly victims on the subway platforms at New York City's Grand Central Station on Saturday morning before police shot and killed him. The attacker, Anthony Griffin, boarded a train in Queens and rode it to Grand Central, where he assaulted an 84-year-old man, a 65-year-old man, and a 70-year-old woman, leaving them with serious injuries. Police officers on an overtime transit detail confronted Griffin, ordering him over 20 times to drop the weapon before firing two shots and fatally striking him.

Why it matters

The violent attack at a major transit hub like Grand Central Station has raised concerns about public safety on New York City's subway system, which has seen a decline in overall transit crime in recent years but still faces challenges with mental health issues and random acts of violence. The incident also highlights the difficult decisions police face when confronting suspects wielding deadly weapons in crowded public spaces.

The details

According to authorities, Anthony Griffin boarded a No. 7 train in Queens around 9:30 a.m. and rode it to Grand Central Station, where he attacked an 84-year-old man on the platform. Griffin then moved upstairs to the northbound 4, 5 and 6 platform and slashed a 65-year-old man and a 70-year-old woman. The oldest victim suffered deep cuts to his head and face, while the 65-year-old sustained an open skull fracture and similar wounds. The woman was cut on her shoulder. All three were taken to Bellevue Hospital in stable condition.

  • Around 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, Griffin boarded a No. 7 train in Queens and rode it to Grand Central Station.
  • On the subway platform at Grand Central, Griffin attacked an 84-year-old man.
  • Griffin then moved upstairs and slashed a 65-year-old man and a 70-year-old woman on the northbound 4, 5 and 6 platform.

The players

Anthony Griffin

A 44-year-old man who wielded a machete and attacked three elderly victims on the subway platforms at Grand Central Station before being fatally shot by police.

NYPD

The New York City Police Department, whose officers confronted Griffin and shot him after he refused to drop the machete.

Jessica Tisch

The New York City Police Commissioner, who provided details about the incident and the department's response.

Zohran Mamdani

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

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

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

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City

“Griffin behaved erratically and repeatedly called himself Lucifer. Officers ordered him to surrender the weapon at least 20 times and offered assistance, but Griffin refused and advanced toward the detectives with the blade extended.”

— Jessica Tisch, NYPD Commissioner

What’s next

The NYPD is expected to conduct a full investigation into the incident, and the department's use of force will likely be scrutinized. Authorities may also review the department's subway safety strategies and mental health response protocols in the wake of the attack.

The takeaway

This violent incident at a major transit hub like Grand Central Station highlights the ongoing challenges New York City faces in maintaining public safety on its subway system, even as overall transit crime has declined in recent years. The difficult decisions police must make when confronting suspects wielding deadly weapons in crowded public spaces will likely spur further debate about use of force policies and the need for improved mental health resources and interventions.