Full Breakdown
Machete Attack at Grand Central Station: A Tragic Incident
4/14/2026, 12:31:25 AM
Incident Overview
On Saturday morning, a violent incident unfolded at New York's Grand Central Station when Anthony Griffin, 44, attacked three individuals with a machete. The New York Police Department (NYPD) received an emergency call around 9:40 a.m. and confronted Griffin, who was reportedly holding the weapon. After failing to comply with multiple commands to drop the machete, an officer shot Griffin, who later succumbed to his injuries. The three victims, aged 84, 65, and 70, sustained injuries that were not considered life-threatening, including significant lacerations and an open skull fracture.
Background on Anthony Griffin
Friends of Griffin described him as someone who had been struggling with mental health issues, with one stating he had been "fighting demons for a while." Fatima Brown, Griffin's partner, emphasized that he had never exhibited violent behavior before this incident. His friend, Shamosi Bey, argued that Griffin was merely walking around with the machete, asserting that individuals have the right to bear arms.
Official Responses
New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that the incident was captured on body-worn cameras, and calls have been made by Griffin's friends for the footage to be released. Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed condolences and confirmed Griffin's death, while Governor Kathy Hochul praised the officers for their swift response in stopping the attack.
Criticism & Opposition
The incident has sparked discussions about mental health and gun rights. Critics have pointed out the need for better mental health support systems, suggesting that Griffin's struggles may have contributed to the tragic outcome. Additionally, some have raised concerns about the police's use of lethal force in situations involving individuals with mental health issues.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the NYPD has stated that Griffin was given multiple commands to drop the machete, some friends have contested this narrative, arguing that he was not acting aggressively prior to the police intervention. The ongoing investigation aims to clarify the sequence of events leading up to the shooting.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He was going through a lot mentally. He most likely was fighting demons for a while,” — Fatima Brown, Partner of Anthony Griffin
- “All he was doing was walking around with his machete, which he has the right to, because everyone has the right to bear arms,” — Shamosi Bey, Friend of Anthony Griffin
- “grateful to our brave officers who acted quickly to stop the suspect.” — Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York
This tragic event highlights the complexities surrounding mental health, public safety, and law enforcement's response to crises. The investigation continues as the community seeks answers and understanding in the aftermath of the attack.
