Frank James, the man suspected of shooting and causing mayhem in a crowded New York subway train on April 12, pleaded not guilty this Friday, May 13, including to the charge of terrorist attack, said a judicial source to AFP. The 62-year-old man had been indicted by a grand jury on charges of terrorism and shooting. If convicted for the first offence, he faces life imprisonment.
As a reminder, on the morning of April 12, at rush hour, the suspect, wearing a gas mask, had released two smoke devices, filling the train with fog, before firing several times. The attack, carried out in the “36th Street” station, injured 30 people, including ten by bullets. This subway station, located in the south of the Brooklyn district, is extremely busy. Among the victims were several teenagers.
Frank James, suspect number 1, was arrested 24 hours later, after a real manhunt. He had been arrested without resistance in Manhattan. His possible motives remain to be clarified. Frank James hosted a YouTube page, called “prophetoftruth88” (prophet of truth) where he was seen launching into long, sometimes rambling and vehement tirades on racial issues and insecurity in New York.
Contacted by AFP on Friday, his lawyers did not respond immediately. The next hearing has been set for July 25.
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