Brooklyn, NY – Frank James, 63, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has confessed to the chilling mass shooting that rocked the New York City subway system last April. James pleaded guilty today to 10 counts of committing a terrorist attack or other violence against a mass transportation vehicle – one for each of the ten people he shot – and one count of discharging a firearm during the attack. The incident brought rush hour to a standstill and left a trail of fear and injury in its wake.
The attack unfolded on April 12, 2022, aboard an N train in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Court documents reveal James, deliberately disguised as an MTA worker with an orange reflective jacket and yellow hard hat, unleashed a calculated act of violence. He first deployed a smoke-emitting device, creating chaos and panic among the commuters. As passengers scrambled, James opened fire with a Glock 17 pistol legally purchased in Ohio, firing more than 30 rounds into the crowded car.
Ten innocent riders were struck by gunfire, while countless others suffered from smoke inhalation and the psychological trauma of the ordeal. The scene was one of sheer terror, with passengers desperately seeking cover as bullets ripped through the subway car. Investigators have confirmed the attack wasn’t a spontaneous act, but rather the culmination of planning dating back to 2017, with James stockpiling items for the assault.
“As described in court filings, the defendant set off a smoke bomb in a New York City subway car and then fired a handgun more than 30 times, striking ten innocent passengers,” stated Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York added, “James’s crimes of violence have been met with swift justice,” emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the commitment to holding James accountable.
Law enforcement officials lauded the swift response and collaborative effort that led to James’s capture. FBI Assistant Director in Charge Michael J. Driscoll stated the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force “remains ever vigilant in our efforts to protect our city.” NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell highlighted the dedication of officers who arrested James while he was on the run, and the methodical work of detectives and agents who tracked him down. Sewell emphasized that the city’s transit system is its “lifeblood” and riders “expect and deserve” such a response.
While the guilty plea marks a significant step, the victims and the city of New York are left to grapple with the lasting impact of this horrific act. Frank James now awaits sentencing, and faces a potentially lengthy prison term for his calculated and brutal attack on unsuspecting commuters. The details of his motive remain under scrutiny, but the terror he inflicted on a city already on edge will not soon be forgotten. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as sentencing approaches and provide updates on the aftermath of this senseless violence.
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