Frank James, Brooklyn Subway Shooting Suspect: What We Know
On Wednesday, more information emerged about a series of videos by the man police believe to be a suspect in a shooting on the Brooklyn subway that left about two dozen people injured.
Frank R. James, 62, was originally a “person interested in the case.” The New York City Police Department on Wednesday confirmed James is now a suspect and no arrests have been made.
James has ties to Wisconsin and Philadelphia, authorities said. No additional information has been found connecting James to New York City, Mayor Eric Adams told MSNBC Wednesday morning.
A law enforcement official who was not authorized to comment publicly told USA TODAY that authorities were reviewing several social media sites, including YouTube videos, showing James swearing and threatening violence. force.
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One of such videos focus on mass shootings at Molson Coors Beverage Company in Milwaukee on February 26, 2020. During the incident, a 52-year-old electrician shot dead 5 co-workers and committed suicide.
In a video uploaded to YouTube the next day, James discusses the shooting, saying it happened “in my town” at the brewery and talking about images of the gunman and the factory. . James also paused broadcasting coverage of the shooting and later said he was involved in some of the gunman’s workplace experiences.
Other videos tackled themes of violence, systemic racism and black primacy. In a video posted the day before the attack, the man said he wanted to harm people. “I can say I want to kill people. I want to see people die.”
The videos police are reviewing include clips from New York subway trains. In February, a video mentioned the city’s subway safety plan. The man said the plan “will fail” and identified himself as a “victim” of the mayor’s mental health program. A January video – titled “Dear Mr. Mayor” – partly criticized Adams’ plan to end gun violence.
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During Tuesday’s attack, police say the shooter wore a gas mask before launching two chimneys and opening fire while still on board. He was fired 33 times with a Glock 17 9mm pistol, which was also found in the subway. At least 10 people were shot and 19 others were taken to hospital with injuries ranging from smoke inhalation to shrapnel wounds.
Police found two unexploded smoke grenades, a hatch cover, gasoline and a key to a U-Haul van on board.
Investigators believe James rented the truck in Philadelphia and police found it Tuesday in Brooklyn, Detective Chief James Essig said.
Brian O’Hearn, a spokesman for the Philadelphia Public Police Department, said James has a residential address in Philadelphia. O’Hearn will not provide an exact location, due to department policy.
James’ apparent address has been released to the public, he said, and Philadelphia officers are dealing with angry individuals confronting James’ mother and other relatives at the location.
Keilah Miller, who lives across from James in a duplex in Milwaukee, said she was alarmed when her neighbor’s photo was circulated in connection with the New York subway attack.
Miller, a receptionist and preschool teacher, told USA TODAY that James lived in an adjacent apartment for about six to eight months. She described him as “angry, noisy and lonely.”
“I always heard a lot of screaming, but I never saw anyone else go into the apartment but him,” Miller said Wednesday.
The first time she spoke to him was in the winter when she left her keys at the door, she said. “I heard a knock on the door and he was there saying, ‘Don’t do that!’ That was the only time we talked. It was weird. He wasn’t easy to get along with.”
When she learned of James’ link to the New York attack, Miller said she immediately “packed a bag and left.”
“I was scared to go home until someone said the place was clear,” Miller said, adding that she was staying with a friend.