Frank James, the suspected NYC subway shooter, was revealed on Wednesday to have refused to appear before a federal court.
According to reports from WABC-TV and Courthouse News, New York judge William Kuntz responded to this refusal to appear by ordering the intervention of U.S. Marshals agents.
“Upon the defendant’s refusal to appear before the court when requested in connection with the above-captioned case, it is hereby ordered that the United States Marshals Service, their agents, and/or designees, use all necessary force to produce the above-named defendant … before this court,” Kuntz said in an order signed on Wednesday.
In April, James was hit with charges including conducting a violent attack on a mass transit vehicle. 29 passengers were injured during the attack, 10 of which were wounded by gunfire. Breon Peace, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said at the time that James had “committed a heinous and premeditated attack on ordinary New Yorkers during their morning subway commute.”
As previously reported, James—who’s facing the potential of being sentenced to life in prison if convicted as charged—pleaded not guilty the following month.
When addressing the shooting during a speech one day after the attack, President Joe Biden expressed gratitude for those who were quick to help out others at the scene.
“We’re grateful for all the first responders who jumped into action, including civilians who didn’t hesitate to help their fellow passengers,” Biden said at the time.
