A knife-wielding man was shot dead by police Saturday in a series of attacks at New York City’s Grand Central subway station that injured three people, authorities said, adding that it was not related to terrorism.The suspect, 44-year-old Anthony Griffen, carried out multiple stabbings shortly after arriving at the busy transportation hub, prompting a swift response from the New York Police Department.According to police, Griffin boarded the 7 train at Vernon Avenue Station in Queens on Saturday morning and soon arrived at Grand Central Station. He first stabbed an old man on the platform, then moved to the 4/5/6 line, where he slashed two more people.Police responded to the incident shortly after 9:30 a.m. Two NYPD detectives on overtime traffic duty encountered an injured victim while responding to the scene, officials said.During the confrontation, Griffin acted erratically and claimed to be “Lucifer,” Police Chief Jessica Tish said at a news conference.Detectives ordered Griffin to drop the large knife he was carrying approximately 20 times, police said. However, he advanced towards them with his sword drawn, forcing one of the officers to fire. Griffin was shot twice and later died.Authorities said Griffin had three previous arrests in New York City.Police confirmed the three victims suffered serious cuts but are in stable condition in hospital.New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he had been briefed on the incident and praised the police response.“I am grateful to the NYPD for their quick response and preventing further violence. The three victims were transported to the hospital and are thankfully in stable condition. The NYPD is conducting an internal investigation and will release the body-worn camera footage, as it does in all incidents involving police shootings,” Mamdani said in a statement.Police said an internal review of the shooting is being conducted in accordance with standard procedure for police shootings.
