Contrary to earlier reports, the FBI states the lone suspect in the New York City Subway shooting incident was not previously the subject of an FBI investigation.
The mass shooting took place on Tuesday at a New York City Subway Station. The suspect shot ten people, and thirteen others were injured.
NYPD reports that the suspect, Frank James, 63, is now in custody.
Wanting to dispel speculation that the FBI should have done a better job monitored James, on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the bureau indicated that the suspect was not previously on the FBI’s radar:
“We have reviewed FBI holdings and to date have found no record of an investigation or prior knowledge of Frank R. James by an FBI office before the shooting,” an FBI spokesperson told The Epoch Times in an email.
The spokesperson added: “Reports that the FBI’s New Mexico Field Office previously investigated Frank R. James are inaccurate.”
Several anonymous sources allege that James was previously known to the FBI, but the bureau cleared him after interviews in 2019.
According to an Epoch Times review of James’ social media accounts, which have since been removed, James created numerous YouTube videos and Facebook posts that “suggest a propensity toward violence, including a number where he talked about carrying out shootings.”
James has an extensive criminal history. According to the NYPD, James’ record includes convictions for possession of burglary tools, a criminal sex act, criminal tampering, and theft.
James was arrested nine times in New York between 1992 and 1998.
James was also arrested in New Jersey three times between 1991 and 2007. His arrests there were for trespassing, larceny, and disorderly conduct.
NYPD representative James Essig notes that James could legally purchase a firearm to legally purchase a firearm in New York because he had never been convicted of a felony.
The FBI investigation is in its formative stages. Mike Driscoll, Assistant Director in charge of the FBI’s New York Field Office, urged the public to contact the bureau if they have information on James.
“We need to hear from you,” Driscoll said during a news conference shortly after James’ arrest. [We need to] “fully understand all the events that have occurred over the last 30 hours. It’s crucial that we receive the assistance of the public as we piece this case together.”
The investigation involves personnel from the FBI, the NYPD, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
In an interview on Wednesday with MSNBC, York Mayor Eric Adams called the attack “horrific” and noted, “there are no indications any other individuals were involved in the attack.”
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