Who Is Frank James, Suspect In Brooklyn Subway Shooting?

A man who was initially flagged as a “person of interest” in yesterday’s mass shooting at the 36th Street Subway station in Sunset Park is now a suspect according to a new statement by New York Mayor Eric Adams early Wednesday.

The shooter donned a gas mask and tossed two smoke grenades while the train was moving between the 59th and 36th street Subway stations. During the ensuing confusion, he fired a Glock 17 9mm handgun 33 times in the subway car, injuring over ten people in total. Several people were hospitalized due to critical injuries from shots and smoke inhalation, though.

Investigators believe the gun jammed before he could shoot more, and it was later recovered at the station where he fled. As of this morning, Frank James, 62, remains at large and is the primary suspect in connection to Tuesday morning’s attack aboard an N train going between stations.

His name was first found in connection to a U-Haul van he rented, left by the station the shooter would have entered and was also on a credit card recovered at the crime scene. The van’s key was also recovered at the scene along with two non-detonated smoke grenades, fireworks, a hatchet and gasoline.

James was first described by police as a five-foot-five African-American man. More information is being slowly released about this suspect, with Mayor Adams telling MSNBC James’ connection to New York is unclear as he has residences in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Authorities have also revealed screenshots from YouTube videos from a channel called “prophet of truth 88” recorded by James where he has reportedly discussed his mental health struggles, made statements about desiring to hurt people and frequently criticized aspects of the city including the subway systems and Mayor Adams’ leadership.