A violent incident at one of New York City’s busiest transit hubs shocked commuters after a man attacked multiple people with a machete before being shot by police.
What Happened at Grand Central Terminal
The attack took place at Grand Central Terminal in New York City.
According to the New York Police Department, the suspect, Anthony Griffin, 44, carried out the attack on Saturday morning.
Sequence of Events
Police said the incident unfolded quickly:
- Griffin entered the subway system from Queens
- He travelled on a train to Grand Central
- He first attacked an 84-year-old man on the platform
- He then moved to another platform and attacked two more victims
Victims and Injuries
The three victims included:
- An 84-year-old man (head and face injuries)
- A 65-year-old man (serious injuries including a skull fracture)
- A 70-year-old woman (shoulder injury)
All victims were taken to hospital and are expected to survive.
Police Response
Officers responded after being alerted by a civilian.
Jessica Tisch said:
- Officers gave at least 20 commands to drop the weapon
- They attempted to calm the situation and offer help
- Griffin refused and advanced toward them
An officer then fired, striking Griffin, who later died.
Additional Impact
- Two officers were also taken to hospital but are stable
- Subway services on several lines were disrupted
- The area was secured with police barriers
Nature of the Attack
Authorities believe:
- The victims did not know the attacker
- The attack appears to be random
- Griffin had prior arrests
Officials React
Kathy Hochul thanked officers for their quick action.
Zohran Mamdani also praised the police for preventing further harm.
Safety Context
Despite incidents like this, officials say:
- Overall violent crime in the city has decreased
- Subway-related murders have also dropped in recent years
Still, authorities acknowledge that such random attacks create fear among the public.
This incident highlights the challenges of ensuring safety in busy public spaces. While police acted quickly to stop further violence, the attack has raised concerns about unpredictable threats in transit systems. Investigations are ongoing, and officials continue to review the situation to improve public safety.
