Knifeman calling himself ‘Lucifer’ slashes three at NYC’s Grand Central

Knife Attacker Identified as ‘Lucifer’ Injures Three at Grand Central Station

A 44-year-old man armed with a machete launched an unprovoked assault on three individuals at New York City’s Grand Central station before being fatally shot by law enforcement. The attack, which disrupted train operations at the country’s largest rail hub, left one 84-year-old man and another 65-year-old man with severe head and facial lacerations, while a 70-year-old woman sustained shoulder injuries.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed condolences, stating that “innocent people were attacked in a senseless act of violence.” Mayor Zohran Mamdani commended the officers for their swift reaction, promising to release body camera footage of the incident.

Details of the Attack

According to NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the suspect entered the subway system at Vernon Boulevard–Jackson Avenue in Queens on Saturday morning. He boarded the 7 train, targeting a passenger on the platform before moving to a second level to strike two more victims. The assailant, who referred to himself as Lucifer, disregarded at least 20 requests to lower his weapon.

The individual was armed with a large knife, described as a machete, and was behaving erratically, repeatedly stating that he was Lucifer,” said Tisch.

Two transit officers on-site were alerted at 09:40 EDT (13:40 GMT). After advancing toward them with the blade extended, one officer fired, wounding the suspect twice. Despite attempts to stabilize his condition, the attacker was pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital.

All three victims were transported to the hospital with injuries deemed not life-threatening. The NYPD advised residents to avoid the area during the ongoing investigation. Griffin had three prior arrests, though no history of emotionally disturbed person (EDP) reports with the department was noted.