A violent, unprovoked attack at one of the United States’ busiest transportation hubs left three people injured and the assailant dead on a recent Saturday morning, sending shockwaves through New York City’s transit system and prompting a major law enforcement response. The incident, which unfolded across two platforms at New York’s iconic Grand Central-42 Street subway station, forced service disruptions for thousands of commuters and drew swift comment from top city and state officials.
According to official statements from the New York Police Department (NYPD), the attacker — identified as 44-year-old Anthony Griffin — entered the city’s subway network at the Vernon Boulevard–Jackson Avenue station in Queens early that morning. He traveled aboard the 7 train east into Manhattan, disembarking at Grand Central, the country’s largest rail hub, before launching his attack. NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch shared details of the rampage at a press briefing shortly after the incident, confirming that Griffin first stabbed one passenger on the initial platform before moving upstairs to a second platform, where he attacked two more people.
The three victims, all older adults, suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries: an 84-year-old man sustained deep lacerations to his head and face, a 65-year-old man suffered matching cuts alongside an open skull fracture, and a 70-year-old woman was left with cut wounds to her shoulder. All three were quickly transported to local medical facilities for treatment.
Two transit officers who were already in the area were alerted to the attack at 9:40 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, and arrived on scene within minutes to confront the attacker. Tisch confirmed that Griffin was carrying a large machete recovered by investigators at the scene, was acting in an extremely erratic manner, and repeatedly told responding officers he was Lucifer. Even after officers issued more than 20 separate verbal demands for him to drop his weapon, Griffin refused to comply and advanced toward the officers with the blade extended. One officer opened fire, striking the suspect twice. First responders administered emergency life-saving care at the scene before transporting Griffin to Bellevue Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
In the wake of the attack, NYPD urged local residents and commuters to avoid the Grand Central area while investigators processed the crime scene, leading to temporary service diversions for trains passing through the major transit hub. Officials later confirmed that Griffin had three prior arrests on his record, but had no documented history of being flagged as an Emotionally Disturbed Person (EDP) in NYPD records. City officials also announced plans to release full body camera footage of the entire incident to the public as the investigation moves forward.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued a formal statement condemning the attack, calling it a “senseless act of violence” targeting innocent members of the public. She also praised the quick action of responding officers, saying “I’m grateful to our brave officers who acted quickly to stop the suspect.” New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani echoed that praise, commending law enforcement for their rapid response that prevented additional violence from occurring. “Our officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect New Yorkers, and their quick thinking likely saved more lives,” Mamdani’s statement read, confirming the upcoming release of body camera footage to maintain transparency with the public.