Full Breakdown
Machete Attack at Grand Central Station Results in Fatal Police Shooting
4/11/2026, 11:13:23 PM
Incident Overview
On April 11, 2026, a machete-wielding man, identified as 44-year-old Anthony Griffin, attacked three individuals at New York City's Grand Central Station before being shot and killed by police. The incident occurred around 9:40 a.m. when Griffin, who was reportedly acting erratically and claiming to be "Lucifer," slashed an 84-year-old man on the 7 train platform and subsequently attacked a 65-year-old man and a 70-year-old woman on the 4/5/6 platform. All three victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to Bellevue Hospital for treatment.
Sequence of Events
Griffin entered the subway system at Vernon Boulevard–Jackson Avenue in Queens and boarded the 7 train to Grand Central Station. Upon arrival, he first attacked the 84-year-old man, inflicting significant lacerations to his head and face. He then moved to the 4/5/6 platform, where he assaulted the other two victims. The New York Police Department (NYPD) received a 911 call regarding the assaults shortly after 9:30 a.m. Two officers on an overtime transit detail were alerted to the situation and confronted Griffin, who ignored over 20 commands to drop the machete. When he advanced towards the officers with the weapon, one officer discharged his firearm, striking Griffin twice. He was later pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital.
Official Statements & Responses
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch emphasized the officers' attempts to de-escalate the situation before resorting to lethal force, stating, "Our officers were confronted with an armed individual who had already injured multiple people and was continuing to pose a threat." New York Governor Kathy Hochul described the incident as a "senseless act of violence" and expressed gratitude for the officers' quick response. Mayor Zohran Mamdani also commended the NYPD for preventing further violence and confirmed that an internal investigation would take place, including the release of body-worn camera footage.
Criticism & Opposition
While the incident has drawn praise for the swift police response, there are concerns regarding the increasing violence in public spaces. Critics argue that random acts of violence, such as this machete attack, highlight the need for enhanced safety measures in transit systems. Tisch noted that the NYPD has recently increased its presence in the subway, adding over 175 officers to patrol duties.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There is some discrepancy regarding the specific ages of the victims, with reports varying slightly on the age of the 65-year-old man. However, all sources agree that the victims' injuries were severe but not life-threatening. Additionally, there is no indication that the attack was connected to terrorism, as confirmed by police.
What's Next
The NYPD is conducting an internal investigation into the shooting, and the MTA has announced that the 4, 5, 6, and 7 train lines will bypass the Grand Central-42 Street stop during the investigation. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.
