Partner of Grand Central Attacker Reveals He Had Been 'Fighting Demons' Before Fatal Machete Incident
Friends and family of a man shot dead by police after a violent machete attack in New York's Grand Central Station have disclosed that he had been grappling with severe mental health issues for an extended period. Anthony Griffin, 44, reportedly identified himself as "Lucifer" while assaulting three individuals in the bustling transport hub on Saturday morning, leading to a fatal confrontation with law enforcement.
Mental Health Struggles Described by Loved Ones
Fatima Brown, Griffin's partner, expressed to News 12 that he was enduring significant psychological turmoil. "He was going through a lot mentally. He most likely was fighting demons for a while," she stated. Brown emphasised that the violent outburst was uncharacteristic, adding, "Whatever happened... It wasn't him. Physically? Maybe. Spiritually? No." Deborah Brown, a long-time friend, corroborated this, noting, "I've never seen him be violent or hurt anybody."
Police Response and Fatal Shooting
Officers from the New York Police Department responded to an emergency call around 9:40 a.m. on Saturday, confronting Griffin who was wielding a weapon described by authorities as a machete. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch reported at a press conference that officers instructed Griffin to drop the weapon approximately twenty times. When he failed to comply, an officer discharged two shots, striking the suspect. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani later confirmed Griffin succumbed to his injuries.
Victims and Injuries Sustained
The attack resulted in non-life-threatening injuries to three victims: an 84-year-old man, a 65-year-old man, and a 70-year-old woman. Specific injuries included significant lacerations to the head and face for one man, similar injuries coupled with an open skull fracture for another, and a shoulder laceration for the female victim. All are expected to recover.
Calls for Transparency and Investigation
Commissioner Tisch mentioned that the incident was recorded on body-worn cameras, a fact that has prompted calls from Griffin's friends for the footage to be released publicly. Shamosi Bey, identifying himself as a longtime friend, argued to News 12, "All he was doing was walking around with his machete, which he has the right to, because everyone has the right to bear arms." Meanwhile, New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed gratitude on social media, stating she was "grateful to our brave officers who acted quickly to stop the suspect." An official investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack and police response remains ongoing.
