New York Subway Shooting Suspect Had Recent Pittsburgh Stop: Report

Pittsburgh PA

13 April, 2022

1:41 PM

Description

PITTSBURGH, PA — The suspect in the mass shooting in a Brooklyn subway Tuesday morning posted videos of himself in several cities on YouTube before his arrival in New York City. One of them was in Pittsburgh, according to CNN. The videos show Frank Robert James, 61, who police said is a suspect in the shooting and attack that injured 23 people, also stopped in Philadelphia; Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Newark New Jersey before going to New York. NYPD said that James has ties to Pennsylvania. NBC Philadelphia reports that these ties include a Philadelphia home address. RELATED: Subways Back At 'Full Service' Amid Manhunt For Brooklyn Attacker Police had originally stated Tuesday that James rented a U-Haul in the Allegheny neighborhood of Philadelphia on Monday. A key to that truck was found at the scene of the crime. James also has connections to New York City, New Jersey, Wisconsin and Ohio, authorities said. The incident occurred in the Sunset Park section of Brooklyn at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday. James, wearing a gas masks, fired several shots inside an 'N' line subway car at the 36th St & 4th Ave subway station, police said. Ten people suffered gunshot wounds in the attack, while another 13 were treated for injuries ranging from smoke inhalation, falls and panic attacks, police said. Investigators noted he also detonated two smoke grenades. A total of at least 33 shots were fired. Authorities first stated that James was a "person of interest" in the case early Tuesday evening. As the investigation progressed, they announced Wednesday that he was a suspect. Police have also forcefully swatted down reports that James was, in fact, in custody. "Again, Frank James is a suspect in yesterday's shooting," tweeted Fabien Levy, the mayor's press secretary. "Let me make clear: He is NOT in NYPD custody at this time." A motive remains unclear. With reporting from Patch correspondent Matt Troutman Be the first to know what's happening in your community and region. With a free Patch subscription, you'll always be up to date on local and state news: https://patch.com/subscribe.