NYPD Kills Machete‑Wielding Suspect After Three Stabbed at Grand Central Subway Platform
At about 9:40 a.m., a machete‑wielding man identified as 44‑year‑old Anthony Griffin allegedly slashed three commuters at the 42nd Street–Grand Central transit hub—an 84‑year‑old man with face and head lacerations, a 65‑year‑old man who suffered similar injuries and an open skull fracture, and a 70‑year‑old woman with a shoulder laceration—after attacking one platform and then moving upstairs to assault two more. Authorities said officers issued more than 20 commands to drop the weapon before an officer fired two shots that killed Griffin, who reportedly was repeatedly saying he was “Lucifer”; two NYPD officers were treated for minor injuries, the suspect had prior unsealed arrests but no recorded history as an emotionally disturbed person, and transit service was disrupted as officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul, pledged cooperation in the investigation.
📌 Key Facts
- At 9:40 a.m. an emergency call reported an assault at 42nd Street–Grand Central; one person was slashed on one platform, and after the suspect went upstairs two more people were stabbed on another platform.
- Three victims were injured: an 84‑year‑old man with face and head lacerations; a 65‑year‑old man with face/head lacerations and an open skull fracture; and a 70‑year‑old woman with shoulder lacerations.
- The suspect was identified as 44‑year‑old Anthony Griffin, described as machete‑wielding; an NYPD officer shot him twice and he subsequently died.
- NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Griffin repeatedly stated he was 'Lucifer' and that officers issued more than 20 commands to drop the machete before firing.
- NYPD records show Griffin had three prior unsealed arrests but no documented history of being an 'emotionally disturbed person.'
- Two NYPD officers were transported with minor injuries; Governor Kathy Hochul called the stabbings a 'senseless act of violence' and pledged state cooperation in the investigation.
- An eyewitness, commuter Beau Lardner, described hearing the shots, seeing a 'wall of people' rush the turnstiles and reacting in fear.
- The incident disrupted transit: some trains were not stopping at Grand Central, the NYPD advised people to avoid the area via social media, and commuters were warned to expect delays and heavy traffic.
📊 Relevant Data
In New York City, nearly 15% of older adults aged 60 and above have experienced elder abuse or crime since turning 60, with over half (51.4%) of these incidents not reported to the police.
The State of Older New Yorkers — NYC Department for the Aging
The average age of persons charged with violent crimes in the NYC subway increased to 32 in 2025, up from 24 nearly two decades ago.
A 'Sea Change' in the Subway: Assaults Outnumber Robberies — The New York Times
In New York City, felony assaults increased by 42% from 2019 to 2024, with domestic violence accounting for about 40% of cases, but random attacks like those in subways are often linked to behavioral health crises.
Crime and Enforcement Activity in New York City — New York City Police Department
📰 Source Timeline (3)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- Confirms precise time of the initial 9:40 a.m. emergency call for an assault at 42nd Street–Grand Central.
- Adds detailed victim ages and injury descriptions, including that one 65‑year‑old man suffered an open skull fracture.
- Clarifies sequence of attacks: one victim slashed on one platform, then two more on another platform after the suspect went upstairs.
- Includes eyewitness account from commuter Beau Lardner describing the sound of shots, a ‘wall of people’ rushing the turnstiles, and his reaction.
- Notes specific operational impacts: some subway trains were not stopping at Grand Central, NYPD social‑media advisory to avoid the area, and expected delays and heavy traffic.
- Identifies the suspect as 44‑year‑old Anthony Griffin and states he died after being shot twice by an officer.
- Specifies the victims’ ages and injuries: an 84‑year‑old man with face and head lacerations; a 65‑year‑old man with similar injuries plus an open skull fracture; and a 70‑year‑old woman with shoulder lacerations.
- Reports Commissioner Jessica Tisch’s statement that Griffin was 'repeatedly stating that he was Lucifer' and that officers issued more than 20 commands to drop the machete before firing.
- Notes Griffin had three prior unsealed arrests but no documented history of being an 'emotionally disturbed person' in NYPD records.
- Adds that two NYPD officers were transported with minor injuries and that Governor Kathy Hochul publicly labeled the stabbings a 'senseless act of violence' while pledging state cooperation in the investigation.