A man who threw a smoke bomb into a crowded New York subway car before shooting 10 people has pleaded guilty to terrorism and weapons charges.
Frank James, 63, was charged with 10 counts of terrorism, one count each of shooting each person with a firearm.
Thirteen passengers also suffered smoke inhalation during the April 12, 2022 attack in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park neighborhood.
James was arrested after a 30-hour manhunt.
He initially pleaded not guilty but changed his plea Tuesday in a Brooklyn district court.
Prosecutors said last week that a sentence of 32 to 37 years in prison would be appropriate if the gunman pleaded guilty. If not, he said, he could face 40 years to life.
Authorities say James planned the attack for years.
Police said he wore a gas mask during the attack and fled afterward — but left behind several personal items that would have aided his arrest, including the keys to a U-Haul van. included the one he rented in Philadelphia and drove to Brooklyn. Bank card with his name.
A legally purchased Glock 9mm left at the scene was also registered to the suspect’s name.
The gunman was eventually arrested without incident while calling in a tip on himself.
Although there were no casualties, the attack was one of the most violent incidents ever to hit the New York subway system.
Police have not identified a motive, but authorities say the suspect has posted several videos on YouTube that include racist slurs and statements about New York City’s subway system, including the homeless. Includes comments and conspiracy theories about
