Meet Zack Tahhan, the Syrian immigrant who helped police arrest the Brooklyn shooter

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The phrase “immigrants get the job done” proves true time after time. New York City is celebrating a new hero this week after a 21-year-old Syrian helped find the suspect associated with the recent heartbreaking Brooklyn subway shooting. A citywide manhunt started Tuesday morning after the suspect opened fire into a crowded subway in Sunset Park during rush hour, injuring over 10 individuals.

Zack Tahhan identified the shooter, Frank R. James, on the street and alerted police officers in the East Village on Wednesday. Tahhan, who lives in Jersey City, moved to the U.S. five years ago. (Fun fact: He speaks at least five languages.)

Tahhan was repairing a camera system at Saifee Hardware and Garden Store when he spotted James. “I thought, ‘Oh my God, this is the guy, we need to get him,’” Tahhan told reporters near the scene after James’ arrest.

“I see him, he have bag and he was walking on the sidewalk, he put the bag in the street,” Tahhan said. “People was walking behind him. I told them, ‘Guys, keep far from him. Please, this guy is going to do something.’ These people think that I am crazy. Nobody tries to believe me. I told them, ‘Guys, trust me, this is the guy.’ And I see the police walking from over there. I told the police, ‘This is the guy, he did the problem in Brooklyn, this guy, catch him, guys, catch him.’ And they catch him, thank God, we catch him.”

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The arrest was celebrated nationwide. Even Mayor Eric Adams celebrated the arrest Wednesday, acknowledging the efforts made by “NYPD, federal and state partners, first responders and everyday New Yorkers” in a tweet. 

James is expected to face federal terrorism charges. Police noted that they also arrived at the scene due to a tip to the department’s Crime Stoppers hotline. It was not immediately clear whether Tahhan was the Crime Stoppers caller as callers are confidential.

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At this time, the hashtag #ThankYouZack is trending on Twitter, with people sharing photos and videos of Tahhan’s impromptu press conference. Many noted his Muslim background and how highlighting incidents like this help combat stereotypes and profiling of Muslim Americans.