Frank James, the suspect behind Tuesday’s bloody assault on a Brooklyn subway train, will remain behind bars without bail following his arraignment in a Brooklyn federal court Thursday.
James, 62, was charged with one count of committing a terrorist attack or other violence against a mass transportation system and could face up to life in prison if convicted. The judge did not rule out the possibility of a future bail application.
BROOKLYN SUBWAY SHOOTING SUSPECT ARRESTED, WILL BE CHARGED WITH TERRORISM
“As alleged, the defendant committed a heinous and premeditated attack on ordinary New Yorkers during their morning subway commute,” U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said. “We continue to pray for the victims and their loved ones as they recover from this traumatic event, both physically and emotionally.”
The judge ordered James to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. He is accused of carrying out a shooting rampage against passengers aboard a subway train Tuesday, shooting at least 10 people in an attack that left at least 29 people injured. Investigators recovered a Glock 17 9mm handgun, a credit card, and a key to a U-Haul van they traced back to him.
Authorities detained James on Wednesday after receiving a tip. During Thursday’s court appearance, his public defender urged the public against a rush to judgment and indicated that James was the tipster.
“What we do know is this: Yesterday, Mr. James saw his photograph on the news,” federal public defender Mia Eisner-Grynberg said. “He called Crime Stoppers to help. He told them where he was. Initial press and police reports in cases like this one are often inaccurate. Mr. James is entitled to a fair trial, and we will ensure that he receives one.”
However, when police arrived at the location the tipster gave them, they did not find James. Zack Dahnan, a 21-year-old security camera installer, has come forward claiming he tipped the police off to James’s whereabouts.
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After officials identified James as a person of interest, people started sharing video posts he made on YouTube showing him musing about committing violence and suggesting that a race war was imminent. Authorities are still investigating the motive for the attack.
Records indicate James is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. The attack was “premeditated,” and James poses a “serious risk of flight,” a detention memo contended.
