Violent Crime in New York City

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.