Knife Attack in Grand Central: Suspect Shot by Police

Incident Overview

A knife-wielding man injured three individuals during a series of attacks at Grand Central subway station in New York City on Saturday. Authorities confirmed that the incident is not linked to terrorism.

Identity of the Suspect

The suspect, Anthony Griffen, a 44-year-old man, initiated the stabbings shortly after arriving at the bustling transit hub, prompting an immediate response from the New York Police Department (NYPD).

Attack Details

Griffen boarded a 7 train at the Vernon Boulevard station in Queens early Saturday morning and promptly reached Grand Central. His first victim was an elderly man on the platform, followed by two more assaults on the 4/5/6 line.

NYPD Response

Officers were alerted to the incident shortly after 9:30 AM. Two NYPD detectives, who were on overtime transit duty, encountered one of the injured victims while heading to the scene.

Confrontation with Police

During the confrontation, Griffen exhibited erratic behavior and identified himself as "Lucifer," according to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch during a press conference. The detectives ordered him to drop the knife approximately 20 times. However, Griffen advanced with the weapon, prompting one officer to use deadly force.

Casualties and Condition

Griffen was shot twice and later succumbed to his injuries. The three stabbing victims sustained serious wounds but are currently in stable condition at a local hospital.

Mayor’s Statement

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed gratitude for the swift actions of the NYPD, stating, “I’m grateful to the NYPD for their quick response and for preventing additional violence. The three victims were taken to the hospital and are thankfully in stable condition."

Ongoing Investigations

The NYPD is conducting an internal investigation, which is standard procedure for any incident involving the discharge of an officer’s firearm. Body-worn camera footage will also be released as part of this investigation.

Conclusion

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing challenges of public safety within urban environments, prompting conversations about security and response measures.