New York Subway attacker expected to plead guilty to terrorism charges

The man charged with shooting 10 people on the New York subway last April is expected to plead guilty to terrorism charges this afternoon in a federal court in Brooklyn.

Frank R. James opened fire on an N train in Brooklyn during morning rush hour on 12 April. No one was killed, though James was not caught for 31 hours after the attack.

The attacker threw two smoke bombs into a train carriage and then fired at passengers. He then fled the scene, leaving a gun, ammunition, bank cards and a key to the U-Haul he had rented.

James initially entered a not-guilty plea. However, last month, his lawyers announced that he would plead guilty to an 11-count indictment including 10 counts of terrorist attack and a firearms charge.

He faces a possible life sentence.

According to his lawyers, James has a history of mental illness.

James grew up in the Bronx, but moved around the country a lot. He had previously been arrested in New York and New Jersey.

Prior to the attack, James posted videos on social media about the subway system and its approach to crime.

Image by Joe Zlomek from Pixabay