In a horrifying outburst that shattered the morning commute at one of the world’s busiest transit hubs, 44-year-old Anthony Griffin unleashed a machete attack on innocent passengers at New York City’s Grand Central Station on April 11, 2026. What began as an ordinary Saturday quickly descended into chaos when Griffin, reportedly claiming to be “Lucifer,” slashed three elderly victims in a random, unprovoked rampage before being fatally shot by police.

The incident unfolded around 9:40 a.m. Griffin had just arrived at Grand Central after boarding a 7 train from Queens. Witnesses described him behaving erratically as he moved between platforms. On one platform, he attacked an 84-year-old man, inflicting deep cuts to the head and face. Moments later, on the uptown 4, 5, and 6 platform, he struck a 65-year-old man causing severe head injuries including an open skull fracture, and slashed a 70-year-old woman across the shoulder. Miraculously, all three victims survived and were reported in stable condition.

NYPD detectives, who were already providing enhanced transit security, quickly confronted the suspect. According to authorities, officers issued more than 20 clear commands for Griffin to drop the large machete. They even attempted de-escalation, offering to get him help. Instead of complying, Griffin advanced toward the officers with the weapon extended, forcing one detective to fire two shots. Griffin was rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Friends and family painted a more complex picture of the man behind the violence. Close acquaintances said Griffin, a Bronx native known in local circles as the battle rapper “Fox 5,” had been struggling with mental health issues for some time. One family friend claimed he often carried the machete purely for “protection” in what he perceived as a dangerous city, and insisted the brutal attack seemed completely out of character. Griffin had a documented history of at least 13 prior arrests, though police noted no formal record of prior emotionally disturbed person encounters in their system.

As investigators continue to piece together the final hours leading up to the attack, attention has turned to a text message reportedly sent by Griffin shortly before the rampage. Sources close to the case describe it as a cryptic, ominous final communication that hinted at inner turmoil and possible delusions, though full details remain under review as part of the ongoing investigation.

The attack prompted temporary disruptions across subway lines, with trains being diverted while officers secured the scene. Body camera footage is expected to be released in the coming days, offering a clearer timeline of the confrontation. New York officials, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani, praised the rapid response of the transit detectives, emphasizing that their actions likely prevented further harm in one of the city’s most crowded locations.

This tragic event has reignited debates about mental health support in urban America, the challenges faced by transit police, and how seemingly random violence can erupt in everyday spaces. While the victims recover from their physical wounds, the psychological scars on commuters who witnessed the horror may linger far longer. As more details emerge about Griffin’s final text and state of mind, the public is left questioning what warning signs were missed — and whether such outbursts can ever truly be prevented in a city that never sleeps.