Everything That is Known About the New York Subway Attack So Far

If you’ve been on social media, you may have heard of the New York subway attack, where a gunman set off smoke bombs and opened fire on a subway car.

Here’s everything we know so far about the attack.

Wore Gas Mask, Activated Smoke Bombs, and Fired 33 Rounds

On the morning of 12 April, a Manhattan-bound subway train on New York’s N line was stopping at an underground station in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park neighbourhood when the attack happened.

The gunman, who was sitting in one of the train cars, put on a gas mask before opening two canisters from his bag. The canisters sent smoke throughout the train car.

He then fired 33 rounds from a Glock 9mm semi-automatic handgun. This weapon was later found by the New York Police Department (NYPD), along with three extended ammunition magazines, a hatchet, consumer-grade fireworks, and a container of gasoline.

The gunman immediately fled the crime scene.

At Least 29 Hospitalised 

Ten people were directly hit by the gunfire. This includes five people who were hospitalised in critical condition, but are now stable.

At least 13 more people suffered from smoke inhalation or were injured in the chaos when riders fled the car. There were reports of some commuters collapsing on the pavement while fleeing.

The fire department stated that two injured commuters were treated at the scene. According to information from local hospitals, there are at least 29 people hospitalised from this shooting.

The police have reaffirmed that all victims were expected to survive their injuries.

Perpetrator Still Loose, But Police Named “Person of Interest”

NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell shared that a U-Haul van is believed to be connected to the shooting. The key to the van was recovered at the crime scene along with the gunman’s other weapons.

The van was later found in Brooklyn. It was rented in Philadelphia on 11 April, and was reserved since 6 April.

On the evening of 12 April, the NYPD named 62-year-old Frank James as a “person of interest” in the investigations, believing that he had rented the vehicle.

This is corroborated by how James has addresses in Philadelphia, where the van was rented.

Additionally, the police found social media posts linked to James that mentioned homelessness and New York’s mayor.

However, the NYPD clarified that they don’t know whether James has any connection to the subway attack as of now. They’re just seeking him out as the van-renter, not as the gunman.

The gunman was described by eyewitness accounts as a man of heavy build and around 163cm in height. He wore an orange vest, grey sweatshirt, green helmet, and surgical mask.

FBI Working with NYPD

Michael J. Driscoll, assistant director in charge of FBI’s New York field office, has stated that they’re working with the NYPD on investigations.

Driscoll stated that evidence collection for the shooting will take some time, and has expressed his thanks to eyewitnesses who stepped forward with information.

“We’re following every viable lead and will continue to do so with the NYPD and our other city partners.”

Security Cameras in Station Malfunctioned

If you were wondering why it is taking so long for the suspect to be apprehended, it may have something to do with camera malfunctions.

It was reported and confirmed that the security cameras in the station had malfunctioned during the incident. It isn’t clear how many cameras were affected.

Coincidence or not, this malfunction would hamper the investigation, as it’ll make it harder to trace where the gunman came from and fled to.

Thankfully, cell phone videos from eyewitnesses showed the suspect, possibly mitigating the malfunctioning cameras’ impact on the investigation.

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NYC Authorities Offering $50,000 Reward for Information Leading to Arrest of Gunman

According to a statement from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York’s agencies are coming together to offer $50,000 for any information that leads to the arrest of the suspect.

The MTA and Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 100 both offered $12,500 each in reward money. The New York City Police Foundation offered another $25,000, rounding the total to $50,000.

“New Yorkers know that if they see something, they should say something, especially in this case. Justice must be served,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber about the reward.

Shooting Follows Surge of Crime in Subways 

This, unfortunately, isn’t the first subway attack. A series of random attacks have occurred on New York’s subways, contributing to a sharp rise in crime during the pandemic.

The attacks included passengers being pushed onto the tracks and hate-driven attacks against Asian Americans.

In fact, subway violence has gotten so serious that Mayor Eric Adams, an ex-NYPD captain and Brooklyn borough president who assumed office in January, has vowed to improve subway safety.

Adams has since responded to this shooting by pledging to double the number of officers on subway patrol.

Investigations on this case are still ongoing.

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Featured Image: Twitter (@Garima18897)