New York City police have released body-worn camera footage of officers shooting and killing a machete-wielding man who stabbed three people at a Grand Central subway stop last month. The video, posted on the department's YouTube page, shows officers confronting Anthony Griffin, 44, after he randomly slashed three people at the 42nd Street-Grand Central subway station on April 11.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Detectives Ryan Giuffre and Anthony Manetta encountered Griffin as he walked up a stairwell holding a large knife. They ordered him to drop the weapon multiple times, but Griffin refused. Giuffre drew his gun as Griffin moved erratically toward the officers with the knife raised. Griffin shouted, "I don’t want to be here. Shoot me," and "I am Lucifer," before Giuffre fired two shots, striking Griffin. He was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead.
Deeper Dive & Context
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that officers ordered Griffin to drop the knife at least 20 times before shooting. She defended the officers' actions, saying they attempted to de-escalate the situation but were forced to act when Griffin continued to pose a threat. The three stabbing victims included an 84-year-old person, though their conditions were not disclosed.
The video shows officers attempting to de-escalate the situation, with Giuffre repeatedly pleading, "Get down. Dude, I’m not going to ask you again. Please. Please. Please." Griffin's erratic behavior and refusal to comply with commands were cited as key factors in the officers' decision to use lethal force.