Frank James, the man accused of opening fire inside a subway car in Brooklyn last month and eluding police for nearly 30 hours afterward, pleaded not guilty Friday to terrorism and firearms charges.
James, 62, appeared nonchalant as U.S. District Judge William F. Kuntz peppered him withWearing khaki-colored jail garb and escorted by U.S. marshals, he shuffled to his seat at the defense table in the ceremonial courtroom, where he took a seat next to his attorney. Throughout the hearing, his paper mask sat below his nose.
The judge ordered that he remain held without bond at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn; his next court date is scheduled for July 25.Authorities have not alleged what they think motivated James to set off smoke bombs and fire a barrage of bullets at morning commuters on a train bound for Manhattan as it pulled into a station in Sunset Park on April 12.
James, meanwhile, slipped out of the station, leaving behind personal belongings that helped authorities identify and capture him after a nearly 30-hour manhunt. Several people called authorities after he wascalled police himself to notify them of his whereabouts, officials have said.Comment