NEW YORK (AP) — A 44-year-old man was shot and killed by police Saturday morning after attacking three people with a machete at the 42nd Street-Grand Central subway station in New York City, authorities said.
Details of the Incident
Police responded to a 9:40 a.m. Emergency call reporting an assault. Upon arrival, officers encountered the man, who was behaving erratically and reportedly claimed to be “Lucifer,” according to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Officers instructed the man to drop his weapon 20 times, but he did not comply.
Commissioner Tisch stated that an officer shot the man twice after he advanced toward them with the knife extended. The suspect, identified as Anthony Griffin, was pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital. He had three prior unsealed arrests.
The three victims – an 84-year-old male, a 65-year-old male, and a 70-year-old female – sustained injuries that were not considered life-threatening. One man suffered “significant lacerations to the head and face,” another had similar injuries and an open skull fracture, and the third sustained a laceration to the shoulder.
The suspect slashed one person on a platform before proceeding upstairs to slash the other two victims on a different platform, according to Tisch. Chief of Transit Joseph Gulotta indicated the attacks appeared to be random.
Response and Investigation
New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed gratitude for the officers’ quick response, stating she is “working closely with the NYPD as the investigation unfolds.” The police department urged travelers to avoid the area due to the investigation, anticipating delays and heavy traffic. Some subway trains were temporarily rerouted, though regional train service at Grand Central was unaffected.
Witness Beau Lardner, who was swiping into the station at the time of the incident, described hearing “loud bangs” and observing a “wall of people” rushing to exit the station. He stated he had “never seen a crowd move like that.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What time did the incident occur?
The incident began at approximately 9:40 a.m. On Saturday morning.
Where did the attacks seize place?
The attacks occurred at the 42nd Street-Grand Central subway station.
Were the victims’ injuries life-threatening?
Authorities stated that the injuries sustained by the three victims were not thought to be life-threatening.
As the investigation continues, authorities may seek to understand the suspect’s motives and mental state leading up to the attack. Further analysis could also focus on security protocols at major transportation hubs and potential strategies for preventing similar incidents in the future.
