For the second time in two weeks, there was a shooting incident in a major city in the United States. The perpetrator in that shooting had a lengthy criminal past.
His Series of Crimes in the Past
Frank James, the man accused of killing ten people and injuring 29 others on the New York City subway system, has a criminal record that dates back to the 1990s.
He is currently being held without bail.
The defendant was detained nine times in New York City between 1992 and 1998 for a variety of charges.
These charges included “possession of burglary tools, participation in unlawful sexual conduct, and theft of service.”
Video of people trying to escape shooter inside train carriage of #NewYork subway.
Gunshots can be heard in the background of panicked passengers.
Mass off shots ring out. pic.twitter.com/pWw2QXAmQM
— Dave (@OfficerDave2) April 12, 2022
He has been arrested three times in New Jersey, the most recent being in 2007 for trespassing, theft, and disorderly conduct, among other offenses.
In the mid-1990s, he was charged with two counts of making terroristic threats in New Jersey, to which he was found not guilty.
The fact James was never convicted of any crime, even in the face of threats and despite his lengthy criminal past, meant nothing prevented him from legally purchasing a pistol in 2011.
In areas like New York City and Los Angeles, where repeat offenders are allowed to continue their illicit activities, this has become the standard.
This includes high-profile occurrences, with James being the most recent and well-publicized example.
Two of the suspects in the Sacramento shooting, Dandrae Martin and Smiley Martin, both had lengthy criminal histories.
One of them got released from jail six years early, against the protests of prosecutors, for an unknown reason in 2012.
NEW YORK (AP) — Brooklyn subway shooting suspect called police himself, gave his location before arrest, law enforcement officials say.
— Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) April 13, 2022
Treatment of Repeat Criminals
It is also noteworthy that James’ alleged subway shooting spree occurred when New York City struggled to keep its subway system secure.
Attacks and other dangerous acts, such as a lady being thrown in front of an oncoming train, grow more common in the city. Meanwhile, New Yorkers are becoming increasingly concerned about their safety while taking the subway throughout the day.
The treatment of repeat criminals in Democratic-run jurisdictions, such as California and New York City, must be seriously considered, and immediate action must be taken.
Over the course of several years, James was able to move from one infraction to another with no serious repercussions.
The Martin brothers were vicious criminals who should never have been allowed to be on the streets in the first place. At a time when crime is on the rise, liberal attorneys, governors, and municipalities that have been elected are not the solution.
One can only hope for stricter measures in place and not leaner to no penalties for such violent acts. The American people need to be reassured of their safety.
Stricter laws to safeguard the average citizen must be put in place.
