Police in New York City have tracked down and arrested Frank R. James, suspected of firing over 30 rounds into a crowded subway station on Tuesday. He faces federal charges for a terrorist or violent attack on public transit, and life in prison if convicted, prosecutors said on Wednesday afternoon.
James, 62, was taken into custody in Manhattan’s East Village on Wednesday, about 30 hours after he allegedly shot up the 36th Street Station in Brooklyn. While no one was killed, 10 people were hospitalized with gunshot wounds, while as many as 19 more had suffered other injuries. The attacker fired at least 33 times and set off smoke grenades in a crowded rail car.
US Attorney Breon Peace said that James will be charged with a federal offense, under a statute that outlaws terrorism and violent attacks in mass transit systems. Peace said that there was no indication James had ties to terrorist organizations, domestic or international, and his motive remained unclear, however.