Federal prosecutors have recommended life sentences for Frank James, the man who opened fire on a crowded Brooklyn subway train last year, injuring 10 people. In a memo addressed to Judge William F. Kuntz II, prosecutors stated that there was overwhelming evidence showing James intended to kill. They requested 10 concurrent life sentences, along with 120 months’ imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Breon Peace wrote in the memo that sentencing James to life in prison is necessary to ensure he never harms the public again. James’ defense lawyers, on the other hand, argued for an 18-year prison sentence, emphasizing his severe mental illness. In a court document, lawyer Mia Eisner-Grynberg acknowledged the inexcusable nature of James’ actions but emphasized his illness.
In January, James pleaded guilty to federal terrorism charges for the attack that took place on April 12, 2022. Disguised as a maintenance worker, he fired a semi-automatic pistol approximately 32 times and set off smoke grenades, injuring 10 victims as the train arrived at a station in Sunset Park. James then fled, triggering a 30-hour citywide manhunt that ended when he called the police on himself.
Prosecutor Breon Peace noted that the fact that no one was killed by James’ 32 gunshots can be attributed to luck rather than his intentional choice. James is scheduled to be sentenced on September 28.
