Close friends of man accused in Grand Central stabbings say 'He was going through a lot mentally'
Deborah Brown told News 12 44-year-old Anthony Griffin often carried around a machete for what they claim was protection.
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Friends of the man who police say was responsible for stabbing three people at Grand Central Station say he had been struggling mentally.
Deborah Brown told News 12 44-year-old Anthony Griffin often carried around a machete for what they claim was protection.
Police shot Griffin Saturday morning after authorities say he stabbed three people on a platform at Grand Central Station.
According to detectives, Griffin was instructed to drop a machete he was holding 20 times and lunged at the officers before he was shot twice.
Griffin was transported to Bellevue Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Close friends of Griffin say violence of any kind is extremely out of character.
"I've never seen him be violent or hurt anybody," Brown said, who added that she viewed Griffin like a son.
"All he was doing was walking around with his machete, which he has the right to, because everyone has the right to bear arms," said Shamosi Bey, who identified himself as Griffin's longtime friend.
News 12 also spoke with Griffin's longtime partner, Fatima Brown.
Grief stricken, she spoke highly of Griffin's character.
She also highlighted his mental health struggle in recent years.
"He was going through a lot mentally. He most likely was fighting demons for a while," Fatima said.
"Whatever happened...It wasn't him. Physically? Maybe. Spiritually? No."
Those close to Griffin are now demanding the footage of the incident to be released.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch on Saturday said the encounter was all captured on body-worn cameras.
