New York City shooting suspect arrested, charged with terror offense

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The man suspected of opening fire in a crowded New York City subway car has been taken into custody and charged with a terror-related offense, officials announced on Wednesday.

"My fellow New Yorkers, we got him," City Mayor Eric Adams said in a press briefing. "We want to protect the people of this city, and apprehend those who believe they can bring terror to everyday New Yorkers."

New York Police Department (NYPD) officers took Frank James, 62, into custody without incident early Wednesday afternoon after a tip-off led them to Manhattan's East Village. He is being held in an NYPD facility.

Breon Peace, the US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said James is being charged with one count of committing a terrorist or other violent attack on a mass transportation system. James faces up to life in prison if convicted.

James was first identified as a person of interest in the wake of Tuesday's attack in Brooklyn. But authorities upgraded his status to suspect on Wednesday.

Authorities said the suspect donned a gas mask before taking two gas canisters out of a bag and opening them, filling a subway car with smoke before opening fire.

In all, officials said 33 shots were fired during the pandemonium that ensued as the train pulled into the 36th Street station in Sunset Park. Twenty-three people were injured from gunshots, smoke inhalation or injuries sustained while attempting to flee.

Police recovered a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun, extended magazines and a hatchet from the crime scene.

Gasoline and a bag of consumer-grade fireworks were also found.