New York City Mayor Eric Adams said authorities have upgraded the status of a “person of interest” in the shooting inside a Brooklyn subway station on Tuesday morning to a “suspect” on Wednesday morning.
The mayor said he was confident officials would find and press charges against Frank James, noting police released new images of the suspected gunman. James, who Adams deemed a suspect Wednesday morning, is still on the run after police identified him late Tuesday, when they determined he had rented a U-Haul van officials believe was connected to the shooting.
“This is not a New York City problem,” Adams said at a press conference Tuesday evening. “This rage, this violence, these guns, these relentless shooters are an American problem. It’s going to take all levels of government to solve it.”
POLICE IDENTIFY PERSON OF INTEREST IN CONNECTION TO SUBWAY SHOOTING
Law enforcement is also investigating recent social media posts purportedly made by James that officials described as “concerning” and may have foreshadowed an attack. It’s unclear what James’s connection to New York may be because officers said he has addresses listed in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.
On 4/12/22 at 8:30 AM, Frank Robert James fired numerous gun shots inside an “N” line subway car at 36th St & 4th Ave subway station causing serious injuries to 10 people. Anyone with info about the incident or his whereabouts should contact @NYPDTips or call 1-800-577-TIPS. pic.twitter.com/MaeF16i4bX
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) April 13, 2022
At least 28 people were injured, with five reportedly in critical condition, in the Brooklyn shooting during the Tuesday morning rush hour commute, according to officials. Ten people were shot and another 13 were injured as they rushed off the train car and suffered smoke inhalation.
Officials on the scene said they found a 9 mm semiautomatic handgun, firearm magazines, and a hatchet left behind by the suspect. They also reported a canister of liquid they believe is gasoline and a bag filled with fireworks.
The incident is not currently being investigated as an act of terrorism, and a motive has not been determined, according to officials.
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The New York Police Department is offering a $50,000 reward to those who assist in locating James.
All victims are expected to recover, authorities said.
