NEW YORK (PIX11) — A massive manhunt for Frank James continued Wednesday morning, as police investigate an attack on the subway in Brooklyn that injured nearly two dozen people on Tuesday.
The 62-year-old is a suspect in the Brooklyn subway rampage, Mayor Eric Adams said. He was seen ranking in a YouTube post hours before 10 people were shot and more than a dozen others were hurt on the subway Tuesday morning.
New surveillance video obtained by PIX11 News on Wednesday shows James after he allegedly parked a U-Haul van near Kings Highway in Brooklyn before the shooting occurred.
Police said someone on the N train put on a gas mask, detonated two smoke bombs and then opened fire in the crowded rush-hour train just before 8:30 am The suspect was wearing a construction vest and gray hooded sweatshirt, police said.
“He then fired that weapon at least 33 times, striking 10 people. The male then fled the scene, and detectives are actively trying to determine his whereabouts of him,” NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig said.
People onboard the train poured out amid a cloud of smoke, while others fell to the floor bleeding heavily.
“These people are mortified. They’re coming out screaming, throwing people aside, stumbling, stepping over. I hear ‘gun, bomb, he’s shooting, get down,’” witness Kenneth Foote-Smith said.
Among the injured were seven men and three women who were shot. Each was rushed to area hospitals, most in critical condition, but all survived. Thirteen others suffered injuries from the panic, shrapnel or the fight to flee the station.
“Never thought I would be a bystander to something like this; it was scary to be in,” witness Karime Aguilar said.
Detectives on Tuesday afternoon tracked down a U-Haul they said James rented in Philadelphia, which was found in Gravesend not far from where they believe he boarded the train. They also found personal items belonging to the shooter, including a Glock handgun and a hatchet.
On Wednesday morning, Adams told PIX11’s Dan Mannarino and Hazel Sanchez that investigators believe the shooter acted alone. He also urged anyone who may see or come into contact with James to not approach him but immediately call authorities and report it.
Authorities are not calling the attack terrorism at this time. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said detectives will be able to identify the motive and the intentionality behind the attack.
“We know this incident is of serious concern to New Yorkers. We cannot lose sight of victims in this city,” NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell said. “We will use every resource we can to bring those to justice who continue to prey on the citizens of New York.”
Meanwhile, Adams said the NYPD would step up patrols in the subway system. He hopes to curb subway riders’ fears and anxiety as the suspect search continues.
This story comprises reporting from the Associated Press and PIX11’s Nicole Johnson.
pix11.com
George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism