Machete-Wielding Man Shot Dead After Injuring Three in New York

Machete-Wielding Man Shot Dead After Injuring Three in New York

A machete-wielding man who allegedly identified himself as “Lucifer” was shot dead by police after attacking three people at a subway station in New York City on Saturday, in a violent incident that triggered panic across the transit system and led to temporary train disruptions.

The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Anthony Griffin, reportedly launched the attack inside the subway network in Queens before being confronted by responding officers. Authorities said the incident began at the 7 train platform, where commuters were suddenly attacked in a series of violent slashes.

Police reported that the first victim, an 84-year-old man, was struck on the head. Griffin then allegedly moved through the station and attacked a 65-year-old man, causing injuries to his head and face, before proceeding to another platform where a 70-year-old woman was cut on the shoulder.

The attacks caused chaos inside the station, with passengers fleeing as the suspect moved between platforms, continuing the rampage before officers arrived at the scene.

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According to the New York City Police Department, officers quickly located the suspect and issued repeated commands for him to drop the weapon. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Griffin ignored at least 20 instructions to disarm and instead advanced toward officers while holding the machete and behaving erratically.

Officials said the suspect repeatedly claimed he was “Lucifer” during the confrontation, heightening concerns about his mental state as the situation escalated rapidly.

Police said an officer opened fire when Griffin advanced toward them with the weapon still raised. He was struck twice and later pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital.

All three victims were also taken to hospital for treatment. Authorities confirmed their conditions were stable following the attack, though they sustained significant injuries.

Officials further revealed that Griffin had previously been arrested three times, although he had no documented history indicating classification as an emotionally disturbed person under police records. Investigators are now reviewing CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts to determine the full sequence of events.

The attack caused temporary disruptions across subway services as emergency responders secured the area and evacuated passengers from affected platforms. Train operations were later restored after the scene was brought under control.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the incident, describing it as a “senseless act of violence,” while city officials praised the rapid response of police officers in preventing further harm. Authorities say investigations are ongoing as they assess security measures across the city’s transit network following the attack.

Machete-Wielding Man Shot Dead After Injuring Three in New York