New York authorities reported the arrest of 62-year-old Frank Robert James on Wednesday after a dramatic manhunt. The suspect, described as a Black man, had been identified in connection with a Tuesday attack on a subway car in New York City. Ten people suffered gunshot injuries and thirteen more were affected by smoke, resulting in injuries, falls, and widespread panic.
Two officers spotted James wandering through the East Village and took him into custody on Saint Marks Street, according to CNN coverage. The capture marked the end of a roughly 30 hour search that unsettled a city already on edge as it began its day. The additional police presence at stations helped reassure commuters, even as worries about safety lingered. The subway system and riders resumed normal activities a day after the shooting that left ten individuals with gunshot wounds and a total of 23 people injured, including others affected by smoke and stress.
At 8:30 am on December 12, 2022, Frank Robert James discharged multiple rounds into an N line subway car at the 36th Street and 4th Avenue station, seriously injuring ten people. Anyone with information related to the incident or James is encouraged to contact NYPD Tips at 1-800-577-TIPS or to use official channels for information sharing. This report is part of ongoing coverage of the event as details continue to emerge. The NYPD News feed documented the unfolding situation as it happened and later updates confirmed the arrest outcome.
Authorities subsequently confirmed that James was the individual responsible for the attack on the packed second car of the N line during the morning rush, spanning the stretch from the 59th Street station to the 36th Street station in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The incident involved the deployment of smoke devices and the firing of at least 33 shots. The investigation continues to clarify the sequence of events and the motive behind the attack.
disturbing footprint on youtube
There is strong evidence linking James to a series of troubling videos on YouTube. The platform suspended the account associated with the name Prophet of the Truth on a Wednesday for violations of community guidelines. The user had begun posting content two years earlier, with the most recent videos uploaded earlier this week. The recordings contained diatribes about race relations, expressions of anger and threats, and comments that bordered on misogyny. One video suggested a readiness for mass violence, reflecting a disturbing rhetoric that alarmed viewers and authorities alike.
In several videos from this year, James criticized city leadership and specific policy initiatives. He questioned plans to address homelessness and crime on the subway and argued that such approaches would fail. He asserted his own struggles with mental health and claimed to be a victim of systemic injustice, highlighting a crisis narrative as part of his public statements.
During postings made after travel from Milwaukee to Philadelphia, James described crossing into what he called a danger zone. In another message, he claimed a willingness to harm others while admitting fear of legal consequences. The content has prompted experts to consider the impact of online rhetoric on real world violence and the responsibilities of platforms to moderate such material.
complications
The manhunt encountered challenges, including issues with security camera systems. Investigators leveraged footage from other stations and analyzed passenger appearances to piece together the timeline of events. The incident also spurred discussions at the city level about deploying technology to detect firearms in transit settings. While the mayor suggested such measures could be explored, he clarified that airport style metal detectors were not being considered at this time for subway environments. Emphasis remained on evaluating practical, privacy-conscious security enhancements that could support rapid responses without disrupting everyday life.