On Saturday morning, a violent incident occurred at the 42nd Street-Grand Central subway station in New York City, where a man armed with a machete attacked three people. The assailant, later identified as Anthony Griffin, 44, was ultimately shot and killed by police who responded to the scene around 9:40 a.m. after receiving reports of stabbings, as confirmed by Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch during a news conference.
Upon arrival, officers encountered Griffin, who was behaving erratically and claimed to be “Lucifer.” Tisch stated that despite officers ordering him to drop his weapon at least 20 times, Griffin refused to comply. The situation escalated when Griffin advanced towards the officers with the machete extended, prompting them to take decisive action. An officer shot Griffin twice, and he was pronounced dead shortly after at Bellevue Hospital.
The violent event resulted in injuries to three victims: an 84-year-old male, a 65-year-old male, and a 70-year-old female. Their injuries were reported to be serious but not life-threatening. One of the male victims suffered significant lacerations to his head and face, while the other man sustained similar injuries alongside an open skull fracture. The female victim had a laceration to her shoulder. According to Tisch, Griffin began his attacks by slashing one individual on a platform at Grand Central before moving upstairs to assault the other two victims on another platform.
Chief of Transit Joseph Gulotta stated that these attacks appeared to be random acts of violence. New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her gratitude to the police officers who acted quickly to neutralize the threat, emphasizing the collaboration between state leaders and the NYPD as the investigation progresses.
Following the incident, the New York Police Department issued a warning via social media for travelers to avoid the vicinity due to an ongoing police investigation, advising them to expect delays and heavy traffic in the area. Subway service at the station was temporarily halted, resuming in the afternoon after hours of bypassing the station, according to updates from the Metropolitan Transit Authority.
Witness Beau Lardner described the panic that ensued as people rushed toward him to exit the subway. He remarked on the unusual speed and urgency with which the crowd moved, recalling the loud bangs that could be heard even through his headphones as he attempted to escape the scene.
This incident underscores ongoing concerns regarding public safety in transit systems, particularly in major urban centers. Police efforts to address such threats and their commitment to the safety of New Yorkers are crucial amidst a backdrop of sporadic violence in public spaces.
