Before helping to catch a man accused of carrying out the worst attack on the New York City subway in decades, before the police commissioner said they were heroes, and before receiving a reward for their quick actions, Mohamad Cheikh and Zack Tahhan just two guys who spend an ordinary day at work.
They were upgrading security cameras at a Manhattan hardware store on the afternoon of April 13 when Frank R. James walked by in broad daylight the day after the attack, in which police said he fired two smoke grenades and opened fire as the N train ran between stations in Brooklyn.
Ten people were shot and, according to federal prosecutors, a total of 30 people were injured.
“I didn’t expect him to be walking through the city among people on a sunny day,” said 25-year-old Mr. Cheikh Wednesday. “We were shocked, you know?”
Mr. Cheikh and Mr. Tahhan, 22, were among four people honored at a ceremony at the police headquarters, presented with a proclamation by Mayor Eric Adams, Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell and Metropolitan Chief Janno Lieber Transportation Authority, which operates. the subway.
They were joined by Francisco Puebla, a manager at Saifee, the hardware store on First Avenue on Seventh Street where the two men had worked, and Jack Griffin, a 17-year-old high school student who was on a field trip. to Chinatown that morning when he snapped pictures of Mr. James, posted them on social media, and called the police.
“Each of these individuals exemplifies the determination and courage that make us all proud to be New Yorkers,” said Ms. Sewell. “Their actions remind us every day, in every corner of our city we are surrounded by heroes.”
All four will share an evenly split $50,000 reward, along with another tipster who wishes to remain anonymous.
Police said Mr James put on a gas mask around 8:30 a.m. on April 12 while riding an N train and dropped two devices that filled the car with smoke. Then he started firing the first of three magazines with a capacity of 30 rounds into the car. He fired a magazine, loaded his pistol for a second and squeezed out three more bullets. Mr. James had at least 57 rounds left at his disposal when the gun jammed, likely saving people from death.
The attack rattled New Yorkers. It came as the city grappled with public safety questions both on and off the subway and at a time when the MTA is desperately trying to win back riders who left the system early in the pandemic.
Mr. James has been charged under a federal terrorism statute and is being held without bail.
He was arrested after police received a tip that he was in Manhattan’s East Village. James’ lawyers and some law enforcement officials have said he himself called the police from a McDonald’s when his photos began circulating on social media and in the press.
He then left McDonald’s and was walking down the street when Mr. Puebla, Mr. Tahhan and Mr. Cheikh saw him that afternoon. They signaled him to nearby police officers, Mr. cheikh.
Much of the credit for his arrest goes to Mr. Tahhan, who held an impromptu press conference the day Mr. James was arrested, surrounded by reporters. In his excitement, he held one of the news mics and… started interviewing other people around him. His enthusiasm and charm inspired the hashtag #ThankYouZack.
But Mr. Tahhan said he doesn’t care about the money or the fame.
“I want to make America and New York safe,” Mr. Tahhan said. “I’m trying to do my best. Thanks a lot, guys.”