NYPD Officers Fatally Shoot Suspect After Grand Central Subway Stabbing Spree
New York City police shot and killed a knife-wielding man who injured three individuals in a series of attacks at the Grand Central subway station on Saturday morning. Authorities have confirmed that the incident is not linked to terrorism, bringing some relief to the bustling metropolis.
Chronology of the Violent Incident
The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Anthony Griffen, embarked on a stabbing rampage shortly after arriving at the major transit hub. According to police reports, Griffen boarded a 7 train at the Vernon Boulevard station in Queens on Saturday morning and proceeded to Grand Central Terminal.
Upon arrival, he first targeted an elderly man on the platform, stabbing him before moving to the adjacent 4/5/6 line. There, he slashed two additional victims, creating panic in one of the world's busiest transportation centers.
Police Response and Fatal Confrontation
Officers responded to emergency calls shortly after 9:30 am. Two NYPD detectives on an overtime transit assignment encountered one of the injured victims while en route to the scene. During the confrontation with Griffen, police described him as acting erratically and claiming to be "Lucifer," according to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
The situation escalated when detectives ordered Griffen approximately twenty times to drop the large knife he was brandishing. Despite these repeated commands, Griffen advanced toward the officers with the blade extended, prompting one detective to open fire. Griffen was struck twice and later pronounced dead.
Victim Conditions and Official Statements
The three victims sustained serious slashing injuries but are currently in stable condition at a local hospital. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani praised the police response in an official statement, expressing gratitude for preventing additional violence.
"I'm grateful to the NYPD for their quick response and for preventing additional violence," Mamdani said. "The three victims were taken to the hospital and are thankfully in stable condition. The NYPD is conducting an internal investigation and will release body-worn camera footage, as it does in all incidents involving the discharge of an officer's firearm."
Investigation and Background Information
Police confirmed that Griffen had three prior arrests in New York City, though specific details were not immediately disclosed. An internal review of the shooting is currently underway, following standard procedure for incidents involving officer firearm discharge.
The swift police action prevented what could have been a more catastrophic event at the transportation hub that serves hundreds of thousands of commuters daily. Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attacks while reassuring the public about the absence of terrorist connections.
