New York authorities have arrested Frank R. James, 62, for Tuesday’s subway attack that wounded at least 10 and injured 13 others, according to reports.
Although authorities said the motive is still unclear, James has made YouTube videos ranting about New York City Mayor Eric Adams, the city’s mental health system, preparing for a “race war” and a desire to kill. James referred to himself as a “victim” of Adams’ mental health policies in the videos.
Adams said he was “briefed on the videos” on Wednesday morning during an interview on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” and said the police department has “zeroed” in on apprehending the suspect. James was nabbed in Manhattan by Wednesday afternoon and is facing federal terrorism charges and could be sentenced to up to life in prison.
“I just think we need to focus on his apprehension at this time and the police department is going to use those posts and all of the evidence that we’re gathering not only to apprehend him, we also must make sure that he’s prosecuted,” Adams said.
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According to reports, the shooter put on a gas mask before setting off two smoke canisters and opening fire on other passengers in a subway car during rush hour in Brooklyn. He shot 10 people, and 13 people were injured in the pandemonium that erupted. None of the injuries are life-threatening.
Authorities said the shooter’s gun, 33 shell casings, 15 bullets, a hatchet and a bag filled with fireworks and smoke bombs were recovered on the scene. Police linked James to the gun and keys that were also found.
According to officials, James rented a U-haul van in Philadelphia that was later discovered in Gravesend, Brooklyn. Authorities believe they acted alone.
Authorities said has an arrest record in New York that stems from 1992 to 1998. He has been arrested nine times in New York for the possession of burglary tools, criminal sex acts, theft of services, criminal tampering and on a New Jersey warrant.
He was arrested in New Jersey three times for trespassing, larceny and disorderly conduct. The last arrest in New Jersey was in 2007.
New York Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell said they are not calling the videos “threats,” however, “they were general topics of concern.”
