Suspected NYC subway attacker Frank Robert James called in the tip that led to his arrest on Wednesday.
Police say that the 62-year-old phoned CrimeStoppers after nearly 30 hours on the run. James reportedly told the hotline that he was at a McDonald’s in Manhattan. However, James had left by the time officers arrived. He was spotted several blocks away and quietly taken into custody.
James is being accused of shooting ten people inside a packed Brooklyn subway car on Tuesday shortly after 8:00 a.m. He also had on a gas mask and opened a gas canister. About 20 other victims were injured in the frantic stampede, with 30 victims total being treated at local hospitals. Thankfully, no one’s injuries appeared life-threatening. As of Wednesday, all but seven victims had been released.
At a Thursday court hearing, the suspect was denied bail. James also did not enter a plea on charges of violating a law that prohibits terrorist and violent attacks against mass transportation.
James’ attorneys consented to him remaining in custody for now but may press again for bail later. They also asked for a psychiatric evaluation to determine James’ medical needs and medication to treat his leg cramps.
While no motive for the attack has been unveiled, James’ YouTube channel and social media accounts showed evidence of a man likely grappling with an unraveling mental state. In some videos, James detailed his struggle inside of psychiatric facilities, “post-traumatic stress” from returning to the “danger zone” of Philadelphia, and experiencing the “shakes” since giving up drinking. In one disturbing video shared recently, he stated that he “may have to hurt somebody.”
