Earlier this week the city of New York was on high alert after a shooting took place on an MTA train in Brooklyn. On Wednesday, police arrested the man they suspected was responsible for the incident. The suspect appeared before a judge on Thursday, and it looks like he will remain behind bars as he was ordered to be held without bail.
According to the Associated Press, Frank James, 62, appeared in court after he was arrested for Tuesday’s shooting. He was ordered to be held without bail after prosecutors told the judge that he “terrified” all of New York City. He was charged with a federal terrorism offense, which also includes attacks on mass transit. At the moment, there is no evidence linking him to a certain terror organization. They are still working to figure out a motive for the incident.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara K. Winik said:
“The defendant terrifyingly opened fire on passengers on a crowded subway train, interrupting their morning commute in a way the city hasn’t seen in more than 20 years. The defendant’s attack was premeditated, was carefully planned and it caused terror among the victims and our entire city.”
As previously reported, prior to James being taken in by authorities, there was a reward for a total of $50,000 offered for information that could have helped lead to his whereabouts.
There were a total of 10 people who were injured due to the shooting, they ranged from the ages of 16 to 60. Thankfully, none of their injuries were life-threatening.
AP reports that defense attorney Mia Eisner-Grynberg was outside of the court on Thursday, and warned against “a rush to judgment.” She said, “Initial reports in a case like this are often inaccurate.” She added that once James was made aware that he was wanted “he called Crime Stoppers to help.”
James’ lawyer Magistrate Roanne Mann said she would ask for him to be given “psychiatric attention,” as well as magnesium tablets for leg cramps, at the facility where he is being held in Brooklyn. His legal team could seek bail at a later date.
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TSR STAFF: Jade Ashley @Jade_Ashley94