MIDTOWN EAST, Manhattan. — A violent and chaotic scene unfolded Saturday morning at Grand Central Terminal, where police shot and killed 44-year-old Anthony Griffen after he carried out a stabbing attack that left at least three people injured, according to the NYPD.
The deadly police-involved shooting happened around 9:30 a.m. on the subway platforms inside Grand Central Terminal, one of the busiest transit hubs in New York City. Authorities say the incident began when Griffen boarded a No. 7 train at Vernon Boulevard and traveled into Manhattan.
Police say Anthony Griffen arrived at Grand Central and launched an unprovoked attack on the platform. An 84-year-old man was the first victim, stabbed on the No. 7 train platform. Griffen then moved upstairs toward the platforms serving the No. 4, 5, and 6 trains, where he slashed two additional victims, spreading panic among commuters during the busy morning hours.
Two NYPD detectives who were assigned to an overtime transit detail quickly responded after encountering one of the injured victims coming up the stairs. As they moved toward the scene, they came face-to-face with Griffen, who was still armed with a large knife.
According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Griffen was behaving erratically during the encounter and made disturbing statements, including claiming that he was “Lucifer.” The detectives repeatedly ordered him—more than 20 times—to drop the weapon. However, police say Griffen refused to comply and instead advanced toward the officers with the knife still extended.
Fearing for their safety and the safety of others nearby, one of the detectives discharged his weapon, striking Griffen twice. Officers immediately rendered aid at the scene, performing CPR before Griffen was transported to Bellevue Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Authorities confirmed that the three victims—ages 65, 70, and 84—were all stabbed prior to police intervention. They were rushed to local hospitals and are expected to survive, with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Two police officers were also taken to the hospital following the incident, though details about their conditions have not been fully disclosed. The knife used in the attack was recovered at the scene as part of the ongoing investigation.
Officials emphasized that there is no indication the attack was related to terrorism. However, the shocking nature of the violence has raised concerns about safety within the city’s transit system.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani issued a statement praising the officers’ swift response, noting that their actions likely prevented further harm. He also confirmed that the NYPD is conducting an internal review of the shooting and will release body-worn camera footage, in line with department policy.
Earlier in the day, New York Governor Kathy Hochul also addressed the incident, expressing gratitude to law enforcement while condemning the senseless violence. She reaffirmed the state’s commitment to ensuring the safety of commuters across New York’s transit network.
In the immediate aftermath, MTA trains were temporarily rerouted to bypass Grand Central Terminal as investigators worked to secure the scene and gather evidence.
Police also revealed that Griffen had three prior arrests in New York City, though further details about his criminal history have not yet been released.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to piece together the full sequence of events that led to the violent outbreak. Meanwhile, the incident stands as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers that can arise in even the most routine moments of daily life.
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