Man Fatally Shot by Police After Machete Attack at Grand Central Terminal
New York, 11 April 2026
A 44-year-old man claiming to be ‘Lucifer’ attacked three elderly passengers with a machete at New York’s busiest railway hub on Saturday morning, leaving victims aged 65 to 84 with serious head injuries before police fatally shot him after he ignored 20 commands to surrender.
Timeline of the Attack
The incident began when Anthony Griffin, 44, entered the subway system at Vernon Boulevard-Jackson Avenue in Queens on Saturday morning [1]. He boarded the 7 train to Grand Central Terminal, where he initially attacked one person on a platform before moving upstairs to another platform where he slashed two additional victims [1]. Transit officers in the vicinity were alerted to the situation at 09:40 EDT (13:40 GMT) on Saturday [1].
Victims and Injuries
The attack left three elderly passengers with serious injuries. An 84-year-old man suffered significant lacerations to the head and face, whilst a 65-year-old man sustained similar injuries along with an open skull fracture [1]. A 70-year-old woman received cuts to her shoulder during the rampage [1]. All three victims were transported to hospital, with their injuries described as not believed to be life-threatening [1].
Police Response and Fatal Shooting
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch detailed how the suspect was armed with a large knife described as a machete and was behaving erratically, repeatedly stating that he was Lucifer [1]. Officers issued 20 demands for Griffin to drop his weapon, but he ignored all commands and advanced towards the officers with the knife extended [1]. One officer discharged his weapon, shooting the suspect twice, before attempting life-saving measures [1]. Griffin was pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital [1].
Security Implications for Transport Hubs
The attack at Grand Central Terminal, described as the nation’s biggest rail hub, disrupted train services and prompted authorities to urge residents to avoid the area during the investigation [1]. New York Governor Kathy Hochul condemned what she termed a ‘senseless act of violence’ against innocent people, whilst expressing gratitude to officers who acted quickly to stop the suspect [1]. The incident highlights ongoing security challenges at major transport centres, particularly given that Griffin had three prior arrests but no Emotionally Disturbed Person report history with the NYPD [1].