A violent incident at one of New York City’s busiest transit hubs ended with police fatally shooting a man who had attacked multiple commuters. The event has once again raised concerns about safety in crowded public spaces like subways.
What Happened at Grand Central Station
The incident took place at Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan on Saturday morning around 9:40 a.m.
According to the New York Police Department, officers were alerted by a witness about a stabbing on the subway platform. When they reached the scene, they found a man holding a machete.
The suspect ignored repeated instructions to drop the weapon and continued acting aggressively.
Details About the Suspect
Police identified the man as Anthony Griffin, aged 44.
Officials said:
- He repeatedly claimed he was “Lucifer”
- He had three prior arrests
- There was no record of him being flagged as an emotionally disturbed person
He entered the subway system earlier that morning from Queens before carrying out the attacks.
The Attack on Commuters
The suspect attacked three people in different areas of the station:
- An 84-year-old man was slashed on the head
- A 65-year-old man suffered a serious skull injury
- A woman was injured in the shoulder
All three victims were taken to hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.
Police Response and Shooting
Jessica Tisch said officers gave more than 20 verbal warnings, asking the suspect to drop the weapon.
They also tried to calm him down, telling him they would help him.
However, when he moved toward officers with the machete, one officer fired two shots. Police then immediately provided medical aid, but the suspect was later declared dead at the hospital.
Statements from Officials
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed he had been briefed on the situation.
Authorities said the entire incident was recorded on body cameras, and standard internal reviews are expected to follow.
Impact on Public Transport
Following the attack:
- Some subway trains were temporarily rerouted
- Passengers were asked to avoid the area
- Security presence was increased
The incident caused disruption in one of the busiest transport systems in the city.
This shocking attack at Grand Central Terminal highlights the unpredictable risks in public spaces and the challenges faced by law enforcement. While the quick response by police likely prevented further harm, the incident has left many commuters concerned about safety. As investigations and reviews continue, authorities are expected to focus on improving security measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
