3 People Injured, Machete-Wielding Man Shot Dead After He Attacked in N.Y.C.’s Grand Central Station

A disturbing episode unfolded at New York City’s Grand Central Terminal on Saturday, April 11, 2026, when a man armed with a machete carried out a violent attack that resulted in three injuries and his own death at the hands of police.

The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Anthony Griffin, reportedly entered the busy transit hub shortly after 9:30 a.m. He first boarded a No. 7 train at Vernon Boulevard station in Queens, displaying erratic behaviour and claiming to be “Lucifer,” according to statements made by Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

Shortly after he reached Grand Central, Griffin launched his attack. At approximately 9:40 a.m., officers received reports of a stabbing in progress. Initial findings reveal that Griffin injured an 84-year-old man, causing severe lacerations to his head and face. Following this, he moved to a different area of the station and attacked a 70-year-old woman, slashing her shoulder, as well as a 65-year-old man who sustained similar injuries.

All three victims were promptly transported to a local hospital, where their conditions were stabilised, giving rise to some relief amidst the chaos. As the scene unfolded, police arrived and soon confronted Griffin, who continued to pose a significant threat with the machete.

During a press briefing, Commissioner Tisch clarified that the officers attempted to calm Griffin down and instructed him to drop his weapon. However, he allegedly ignored over twenty commands and instead advanced toward the officers with the machete raised, which led them to use lethal force. “Our officers were confronted with an armed individual who had already injured multiple people,” Tisch noted, emphasising the need for rapid response to protect citizens in one of the city’s busiest locations.

Despite efforts to de-escalate the situation, Griffin was fatally shot by law enforcement after he advanced with the weapon. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. Additionally, two police officers involved in the incident required medical attention, though their injuries were not life-threatening.

In the aftermath of the horrifying event, investigations are ongoing, and it has been reported that the attack appeared random, with none of the victims having previous knowledge of Griffin. Police records indicate that Griffin had three previously unsealed arrests, although the nature of those incidents has not been disclosed.

As a precaution, the New York Police Department (NYPD) has rerouted multiple trains away from Grand Central while the investigation continues, and yellow tape was placed around the area to keep commuters away from the scene of the crime.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani responded to the events via social media, expressing gratitude towards the NYPD for their prompt actions that limited further violence. He commended the swift response in ensuring that victims received immediate care and assured the public that the NYPD would release body-worn camera footage of the incident, as is standard protocol when officers discharge their firearms.

This incident highlights significant security concerns in public spaces, particularly in transit hubs where large gatherings occur. It raises questions about the mental health of individuals in crisis as well as the adequacy of response protocols for law enforcement personnel faced with unpredictable threats.

Authorities remain committed to ensuring the safety of New Yorkers and are expected to review this incident thoroughly, aiming to enhance response tactics and overall public safety moving forward. As investigations proceed, the community and residents of New York City continue to grapple with the shockwaves of this violent episode.