From Battle Rapper to Machete Attack: Subway Preacher Killed by Police

A man preaching on a New York City subway train attacked three passengers with a machete on Thursday. Police officers then shot and killed the man. The suspect was identified as Anthony Griffin, 39. Griffin was known locally as a "battle rapper," a performer who competes in verbal contests of insults and rhymes. More recently, he had adopted a religious persona, often preaching to riders on the subway. According to police, Griffin began slashing passengers inside a moving train in Brooklyn. He wounded three people. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. When the train stopped, two police officers stationed on the platform confronted Griffin. Authorities state he advanced toward them with the machete. The officers then fired their guns, killing him. The investigation is ongoing. Officials are working to determine the motive for the sudden attack.