NYPD Kills Machete Attacker at Grand Central

A 44-year-old man was shot and killed by New York City police on April 11, 2026, after attacking three people with a machete at the 42nd Street-Grand Central subway station.

The suspect, identified by Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch as Anthony Griffin, targeted victims randomly during the Saturday morning incident. The attacks occurred across different areas of the station. the suspect slashed one person on a platform before moving upstairs to slash two additional victims on another platform.

Details of the Attack and Police Response

Police responded to reports of stabbings at 9:40 a.m. And encountered Griffin, who was behaving erratically and claiming he was Lucifer, according to Commissioner Tisch.

Tisch stated during an afternoon news conference that officers ordered Griffin to drop his weapon at least 20 times. When he refused to comply and advanced toward officers with the knife extended, an officer shot him twice.

Our officers were confronted with an armed individual who had already injured multiple people and was continuing to pose a threat. They gave clear commands. They attempted to de-escalate. And when that threat did not stop, they took decisive action to stop it and to protect New Yorkers on one of the busiest train platforms in the city.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch

Griffin was pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital. Authorities noted that he had three prior unsealed arrests.

Victim Injuries

Three people were injured in the random attacks. While their injuries were not considered life-threatening, they sustained significant trauma:

• An 84-year-old male who sustained significant lacerations to the head and face.
• A 65-year-old male who suffered similar head and face injuries and an open skull fracture.
• A 70-year-old female who sustained a laceration to the shoulder.

Chief of Transit Joseph Gulotta stated that the attacks appeared to be random acts. Police investigated whether the incident began on the platform servicing the 4, 5, and 6 MTA trains or in another area of the station.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed gratitude on social media for the officers who acted quickly to stop the suspect and stated that her office is working closely with the NYPD as the investigation continues.