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Knifeman calling himself 'Lucifer' slashes three at NYC's Grand Central

April 11, 2026

A 44-year-old man armed with a machete randomly attacked three elderly individuals at different locations within New York City's Grand Central station, causing serious injuries including head lacerations and a skull fracture. The attacker, who identified himself as Lucifer and behaved erratically, refused more than twenty police commands to surrender his weapon before advancing on transit officers with the machete extended. Officers shot the suspect twice in response to the threat, and despite life-saving efforts, he died at the hospital.

Who is affected

  • Anthony Griffin, 44-year-old suspect (fatally shot)
  • An 84-year-old man (significant head and face lacerations)
  • A 65-year-old man (head and face lacerations, open skull fracture)
  • A 70-year-old woman (shoulder cuts)
  • Two transit officers (involved in the shooting)
  • Commuters and rail passengers at Grand Central station

What action is being taken

  • Police are investigating the incident
  • Trains are being diverted at Grand Central station
  • All three injured victims are receiving hospital treatment
  • Police body camera footage is being prepared for release

Why it matters

  • This incident highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and violent crime in New York City's subway system, one of the world's busiest transit networks. The attack on three elderly victims in a random, unprovoked assault at the city's largest rail hub demonstrates the vulnerability of commuters and the challenges law enforcement faces in protecting public spaces. The case also raises questions about mental health intervention, as the suspect exhibited clear signs of psychological disturbance but had no prior record with the NYPD's Emotionally Disturbed Person system.

What's next

  • Police body camera footage of the incident will be released

Read full article from source: BBC