The New York Police Department in the United States released a photo on Wednesday night of the suspect in a shooting on a subway train in the Brooklyn neighborhood, an incident that resulted in several injuries. The NYPD tweeted that the suspect is named Frank James and requested anyone with information to contact the police as soon as possible.
Officials have reported that a masked gunman threw a smoke bomb and then opened fire inside a New York City subway car, injuring 16 people and causing chaos. Police Chief Keechant Sewell stated that ten people were shot, without detailing how the other injuries occurred. Sewell added that the gunman remains at large, and the incident is not currently being investigated as an act of terrorism, but she did not rule out any motives behind the attack.
Video footage showed smoke rising from the train car as it pulled into the 36th Street station in the Sunset Park neighborhood. Passengers trapped inside rushed to the platform when the doors opened, with some falling to the ground; photos showed blood stains on the platform.
During a press conference, Sewell said, "This morning, while a train heading to Manhattan was waiting to enter the 36th Street station, a person on that train appeared to be wearing a gas mask and then took out a canister from his bag and opened it." She continued, “At that moment, the train began to fill with smoke. The (gunman) then opened fire, injuring several people on the subway and on the platform.”
The police chief noted reports that the suspect was described as a Black man of stocky build, wearing a green construction-like jacket.
Outside the 36th Street station, in an area known for landmarks such as Chinatown and the Statue of Liberty, authorities closed about ten residential complexes and cordoned off the surrounding area with yellow tape.
The White House and the Department of Justice announced that President Joe Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland have been briefed on the latest developments of the incident. The White House stated that White House staff are in close contact with New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the police commissioner to provide any assistance needed.
