Chaos erupted inside one of New York City’s most iconic transit hubs on Saturday morning when 44-year-old Anthony Griffin, armed with a machete, launched a random and brutal attack on three elderly subway riders at Grand Central Terminal. Eyewitnesses have now described the terrifying moments leading up to the violence, revealing how Griffin repeatedly shouted the chilling five-word declaration “I am Lucifer!” before slashing his victims and forcing police to fatally shoot him.

The incident began shortly after 9:40 a.m. on the 42nd Street subway platform. Griffin had arrived via a Manhattan-bound 7 train from Queens. According to multiple accounts, he immediately began behaving erratically, pacing and muttering to himself. Then came the moment that froze commuters in fear: Griffin loudly proclaimed, “I am Lucifer!” — a phrase he repeated several times as he pulled out a large machete-style knife.

One eyewitness, who was waiting for a connecting train, told reporters the scene turned chaotic almost instantly. “It was chaotic and fast. People were screaming and running everywhere. He just started yelling ‘I am Lucifer!’ and then he had the machete in his hand. No one saw it coming.” Another commuter described hearing the declaration echo across the platform: “He said it clearly, like he wanted everyone to hear. ‘I am Lucifer!’ It sent chills down my spine.”

Griffin first attacked an 84-year-old man on the 7 train platform, inflicting deep lacerations to the victim’s head and face. He then moved quickly upstairs to the 4/5/6 platform, where he continued his rampage. There, he slashed a 65-year-old man, causing serious head injuries including an open skull fracture, and struck a 70-year-old woman in the shoulder. All three victims were elderly New Yorkers simply trying to navigate their Saturday routines when the nightmare unfolded.

Two transit officers responded rapidly to frantic 911 calls and reports from witnesses. From the top of the stairs, they observed Griffin on the platform, still armed and acting erratically while repeating his claim of being “Lucifer.” Police issued at least 20 verbal commands for him to drop the weapon and attempted de-escalation, even offering assistance with the words “We are going to get you help.” Griffin refused to comply and advanced toward the officers, leaving them no choice.

An NYPD officer discharged their firearm, striking Griffin. He was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers were injured. The three victims were rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where they are receiving treatment for serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The quick police response is credited with preventing further casualties in the crowded terminal.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed the details at a news conference, stating that Griffin was “behaving erratically, repeatedly stating that he was Lucifer.” The attack caused temporary service disruptions across multiple lines as police secured the area, recovered the machete, and began their investigation. Body camera footage and eyewitness statements will be key parts of the review.

Grand Central Terminal, often called the “crossroads of the world,” handles hundreds of thousands of passengers daily. The station’s grand Beaux-Arts architecture and bustling energy make Saturday’s events feel especially invasive. Commuters and tourists who witnessed the chaos described panic as people fled in every direction. “Everyone was running and screaming. It happened so fast,” one witness said. Another added that the five-word declaration “I am Lucifer!” created an atmosphere of pure terror before the slashing began.

Anthony Griffin’s background is still under investigation. He had prior arrests, but no immediate terrorism link has been suggested. The case has intensified ongoing debates about subway safety, mental health crises in public spaces, and the challenges faced by officers responding to armed and erratic individuals in high-traffic areas.

For the victims, the physical and emotional scars will take time to heal. The 84-year-old man’s head and facial wounds, the 65-year-old’s skull fracture, and the 70-year-old woman’s shoulder injury require extensive medical care. Community members and strangers have flooded social media with prayers and support, expressing relief that the attacker was stopped before more harm could occur.

The incident has renewed calls for improved mental health outreach, better coordination between transit authorities and law enforcement, and enhanced security measures at major stations like Grand Central. Many New Yorkers worry that random attacks on vulnerable riders, especially seniors, are becoming too common. City officials have pledged continued vigilance and resources to restore confidence in the subway system.

Eyewitness testimony has painted a vivid picture of the horror. One commuter who was nearby said the platform descended into pandemonium the moment Griffin raised the machete. “People were pushing and yelling to get away. The police were there fast, but those few seconds felt like forever.” The combination of the chilling declaration and the sudden violence left lasting impressions on those present.

As the full investigation continues, authorities will examine Griffin’s movements from Queens, any possible motive, and whether he had prior interactions with mental health or criminal justice systems. For now, the focus remains on the three elderly victims and their families, who must navigate the trauma of a random assault in a place many consider routine.

Grand Central’s symbolic status makes the attack particularly disturbing. Millions rely on the terminal for work, travel, and daily life, trusting the system to keep them safe. Saturday’s events serve as a sobering reminder that even heavily monitored public spaces can become scenes of sudden violence.

In the aftermath, increased patrols have been deployed at Grand Central and other key stations. Transit officials and the NYPD are working to reassure riders while reviewing protocols for handling individuals in crisis. The swift actions of the responding officers likely prevented a far worse outcome, though the three victims now face difficult recoveries.

The story of the “Lucifer” machete rampage at Grand Central Terminal has left New York shaken. Through the voices of eyewitnesses describing the chaotic scene and the attacker’s haunting five-word proclamation, the public gains a clearer understanding of the terror that unfolded in mere moments. As the city processes this latest blow to subway safety, the resilience of New Yorkers and the determination to protect public spaces remain as strong as ever.