Friend says Grand Central machete attacker only carried the blade for protection
A man was shot dead by police after slashing three people at the transit hub, but a family friend says he wasn't violent by nature
At a glance
What matters most
- A man attacked three elderly people with a machete at Grand Central Terminal before being shot dead by NYPD officers.
- The suspect had no prior criminal record, and a family friend says he carried the machete for personal protection, not to commit violence.
- The three victims, all over 70, were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
- The attack briefly shut down parts of the terminal and raised fresh concerns about safety in public transit spaces.
Across the spectrum
What people are saying
A quick look at how the same story is being framed from different angles.
On the Left
This tragedy highlights the urgent need for better mental health and housing support systems. Instead of waiting for crises to unfold in public spaces, cities should invest in outreach, treatment, and safe housing to prevent violence before it happens.
In the Center
While the attacker's actions were clearly dangerous and required a police response, the lack of criminal history and accounts from people who knew him suggest deeper personal struggles. The incident underscores the challenge of balancing public safety with compassion for those in crisis.
On the Right
Carrying a machete in a crowded subway station is not about protection-it's a threat to public safety. Law enforcement acted swiftly to stop a violent attacker, and this incident shows why we need stronger consequences for carrying deadly weapons in public.
Full coverage
What you should know
A man was shot and killed by NYPD officers at Grand Central Terminal on Sunday after slashing three elderly commuters with a machete, according to police. The attack unfolded in the early morning hours inside one of the city's most iconic and heavily trafficked transit hubs, sending panicked travelers scrambling for safety.
The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Anthony Griffin, approached three separate individuals on the lower level near the subway platforms and attacked them without warning. All three victims, all aged over 70, were rushed to nearby hospitals with cuts to their arms and shoulders. Officials confirmed their injuries were serious but not life-threatening.
Within minutes, transit officers arrived and ordered Griffin to drop the weapon. When he didn't comply and made a movement toward one officer, they opened fire, ending the threat. The entire incident lasted less than five minutes, but its impact rippled across the city as images and videos spread online.
Deborah Brown, a family friend who has known Griffin for over a decade, told reporters she was stunned by the news. 'He wasn't an aggressive person,' she said. 'He carried that machete because he felt unsafe walking through the city at night. He said it made him feel protected.' She added that Griffin had been struggling with housing instability and mental health issues in recent months but had never shown signs of violent behavior.
NYPD officials emphasized that the investigation is ongoing. They're reviewing body camera footage, surveillance video, and witness accounts to better understand what triggered the attack. While Griffin had no prior criminal record, police are looking into whether he had recent interactions with mental health services or shelters.
The incident reignited conversations about safety in subway systems and public spaces, especially for older New Yorkers. Advocates say the city needs to do more to support people in crisis before situations escalate. 'This wasn't just a crime,' said one transit safety organizer. 'It's a failure of care.'
Grand Central reopened fully by midday, but the mood remained tense. Commuters passed through with cautious glances, some pausing near the spot where the attack occurred. For now, the city is left grappling with how a man described as troubled, not dangerous, ended up at the center of such a violent moment.
About this author
Zwely News Staff compiles multi-source reporting into concise, viewpoint-aware coverage for readers who want context without noise.
Source Notes
Friend claims maniac Grand Central slasher only kept machete for protection: report
A maniac who slashed three elderly straphangers at Grand Central Terminal before he was shot dead by cops only kept his machete as protection, his friend claimed. Family friend Deborah Brown refused to believe deranged attacker Anthony Grif...
Man with machete fatally shot at Grand Central after slashing attack, NYPD says
A man with a machete slashed and injured three people at Grand Central in New York City before he was fatally shot by police, the NYPD said.
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