A man carrying a knife who wounded three people in a series of attacks at Grand Central subway station in New York City was shot dead by police on Saturday, authorities said, adding that he had no links to terrorism.The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Anthony Griffin, carried out several stabbings shortly after arriving at the crowded transit center, prompting a rapid response from the New York Police Department.According to police, Griffin boarded the 7 train at the Vernon Boulevard station in Queens on Saturday morning and arrived at Grand Central shortly after. He first stabbed an elderly man on the sidewalk before moving to line 4/5/6, where he injured two other people.Officers responded to the incident shortly after 9:30 a.m. Two NYPD detectives, who were on overtime transit duty, encountered one of the injured victims while heading to the scene, officials said.During the confrontation, Griffin was acting erratically and claimed to be “Lucifer,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference.Investigators ordered Griffin to drop the large knife he was holding about 20 times, police said.
But he advanced toward them with an extended blade, forcing one of the officers to shoot. Griffin was shot twice and later died.Authorities said Griffin had been arrested three times previously in New York City.Police confirmed that the three victims were seriously injured but are currently in stable condition in hospital.New York City Mayor Zahran Mamdani said he was informed of the incident and praised the police response.“I am grateful to the NYPD for its quick response and for preventing further violence,” Mamdani said in a statement. “The three victims were transported to the hospital and are fortunately in stable condition. The NYPD is conducting an internal investigation and will release body-worn camera footage, as it does in all incidents involving the discharge of an officer’s firearm.”Police said an internal review of the shooting is underway, in line with standard procedures for incidents involving the discharge of a firearm by officers.