The man accused of terrorizing a New York subway earlier this year, setting off smoke bombs and a hail of bullets, is set to change his plea in court to guilty.
Attorneys for Frank James said in court filings Wednesday he will plead guilty and a hearing is scheduled for Jan. 3. James faces domestic terrorism and other charges for the April 12 attack on a Brooklyn train and could receive up to life in prison if convicted. A weapons charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years.
James is accused of shooting 10 people. At least 19 others were taken to hospitals for injuries ranging from smoke inhalation to shrapnel wounds; all survived.
The shooter covered his face with a gas mask before setting off smoke canisters and shooting 33 times into a subway car during morning rush hour. The suspect fled in the commotion, setting off a manhunt.
BACKGROUND:Accused New York subway shooter Frank James pleads not guilty to terrorism, other charges
WATCH:Brooklyn subway shooting suspect Frank James made social media posts discussing violence
About 30 hours later, James was arrested in Manhattan’s East Village after calling police to turn himself in from a McDonald’s restaurant. Police said they used items found at the subway station and on the train, including the gun and a key to a rented U-Haul van, to identify James.
Law enforcement officials previously said they were looking into social media pages and YouTube videos that appeared to be posted by James in which he ranted against New York City officials and discussed violence.
Contributing: The Associated Press
