A 44-year-old man was shot and killed by police after allegedly attacking multiple people with a machete inside a New York City subway station, leaving three victims injured in what authorities described as a random act of violence.

The incident occurred around 9:40 a.m. Saturday at Grand Central Terminal, one of the city’s busiest transit hubs. According to New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch, two detectives assigned to transit duty were alerted by a civilian to a stabbing on a subway platform.

As officers moved toward the 4, 5, and 6 train lines, they encountered a victim coming up the stairs, confirming an active attack. From above the platform, they spotted the suspect, later identified as Anthony Griffin, armed with what officials described as a large knife or machete.

Police said Griffin was acting erratically and repeatedly claimed to be “Lucifer” as officers issued more than 20 commands for him to drop the weapon. Detectives also attempted to de-escalate the situation, telling him they would get him help.

According to authorities, Griffin instead advanced toward the officers with the weapon extended. One officer then opened fire, striking him twice. Officers rendered aid at the scene before he was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators said surveillance footage showed Griffin entering the subway system in Queens about 10 minutes before the attack and traveling to Grand Central. He allegedly first assaulted an 84-year-old man on the 7 train platform before moving to another platform and attacking two additional victims.

The victims included an 84-year-old man who suffered severe lacerations to the head and face, a 65-year-old man with similar injuries and an open skull fracture, and a woman who sustained a shoulder wound. All three were hospitalized and are expected to survive.

Officials said Griffin had three prior arrests but no recorded history with the department as an emotionally disturbed person. No officers were injured in the encounter.

The incident remains under investigation, and police said body camera footage captured the encounter.