The New York Police Department (NYPD) reported that an officer fatally shot a suspect who identified himself as “Lucifer” in Grand Central Terminal after he allegedly attacked three people with a machete on the subway platform. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated at a Saturday press conference that officers killed 44-year-old Anthony Griffin when he charged at them with the machete, disregarding more than 20 commands to stop.
Officers arrived at the scene around 9:40 a.m., after a 9-1-1 call reporting an assault in progress at the train station. Upon arrival, Griffin was found holding the machete and repeatedly stating that he was Lucifer, Tisch said. After Griffin refused commands to drop the knife, one officer fired his service weapon, striking him twice, she added. Griffin was taken to a nearby hospital, where he died.
Tisch informed reporters that Griffin had three prior unsealed arrests but no record of emotional disturbance.
The three stabbing victims consisted of an 84-year-old man, a 70-year-old woman, and a 64-year-old man. All three were taken to nearby hospitals and are in stable condition. The 84-year-old suffered lacerations to the face and head, while the 64-year-old man had similar injuries plus an open skull fracture. The 70-year-old suffered shoulder cuts.
Two NYPD officers were hospitalized for minor injuries.
