Elderly victims of Grand Central machete attack seek court permission to sue city
Two senior victims of a machete assault at Grand Central Station are asking a Manhattan judge to allow a late claim against New York City.
On April 11, Anthony Griffin, who called himself “Lucifer,” attacked three elderly commuters at the 42nd Street-Grand Central subway station, slashing Leila Sumulong, 70, across her back and Jose Fermin, 84, across his head, while a third victim suffered severe head injuries. Police say Griffin was shot dead after the assaults. Sumulong and Fermin contend that no officers were present on the platform and only encountered police after leaving for the concourse, prompting them to seek a Manhattan Supreme Court judge’s permission to file a late notice of claim.
Their lawyer, Joseph Napoli, says the case highlights inadequate security at a major New York station. The proposed claim would target the city, the NYPD and the MTA. City officials have not commented, and the victims are focusing on recovery.
Why it matters
The case could set precedent for municipal liability in subway security failures.
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