A New York man is facing federal terror charges after allegedly building homemade bombs and hiding them across Manhattan.
Michael Gann, 55, of Inwood, was arrested on June 5 in SoHo carrying an improvised explosive device (IED) in his bag, just hours after he allegedly tossed another onto the Williamsburg Bridge subway tracks and stashed several more on nearby rooftops, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Authorities say the homemade explosives, some packed with shotgun shells, posed a serious threat to public safety.
‘As alleged, Michael Gann built explosive devices, stored them on a rooftop in SoHo, and threw one onto the subway tracks – putting countless lives at risk,’ U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton said.
‘Thanks to swift work by our law enforcement partners, no one was harmed. That vigilance assuredly prevented a tragedy in New York.’
According to prosecutors, Gann used chemicals purchased online – including potassium perchlorate and aluminum powder – to construct at least seven IEDs.
He allegedly tested the explosive mixtures twice in June, once blinding a bystander temporarily, before assembling the devices using cardboard tubes and fuses.
Investigators say Gann kept at least five bombs on residential rooftops in SoHo, along with four shotgun shells intended for use with the devices.
Michael Gann (pictured), 55, was arrested on June 5 in SoHo carrying an improvised explosive device (IED) in his bag, just hours after he allegedly tossed another onto the Williamsburg Bridge subway tracks and stashed several more on nearby rooftops
Authorities say the homemade explosives (pictured), some packed with shotgun shells, posed a serious threat to public safety
A sixth device was thrown onto the subway tracks, and a seventh was recovered from his bag during his arrest.
‘This defendant allegedly stockpiled homemade explosives and traveled to New York City with these deadly devices,’ NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said.
‘He threw one of these devices onto an active subway track and stored others on the rooftop of a residential building, but because of the skilled investigative work and swift response from the NYPD and our partners, we were able to intervene before he caused any harm.’
Ahead of his June 5 arrest, Gann took to Instagram where he posted an alarming message writing: ‘Who wants me to go out to play like no tomorrow?’
Months earlier, in March, Gann – who has approximately 30 prior arrests and three felony convictions – tagged the official X account for the President of the United States, @POTUS, asking the nation’s leader to ‘just drop a bomb’ on New York City.
‘Dear @POTUS, I’m thinking just now here in NYC that it’s too bad that the wall wasn’t built before the National Guard would have to come here for the Protests and Riotation or would you just drop a bomb on this place while and because they seem to be coming and coming,’ the federal indictment reads.
A sixth device was thrown onto the subway tracks, and a seventh was recovered from his bag during his June 5 arrest. Pictured: A homemade explosive device sits on an active subway track in New York City
Authorities say Gann used artificial intelligence tools and online videos to research explosives.
The career criminal also made a series of internet searches in May and June, which included searches for ‘chlorine bomb,’ ‘black powder nearby,’ and ‘how to make flash powder from household items.’
He also looked up ‘3D gun printing’ and ‘gun background check test.’
The investigation also revealed that Gann had tested the explosive materials twice before the arrest, with one blast reportedly temporarily blinding a military veteran who was present.
Federal prosecutors allege Gann falsely told agents he had thrown the remaining chemicals and shotgun shells into a Manhattan dumpster – though some explosive materials were later recovered from a dumpster in Chelsea.
FBI Assistant Director Christopher G. Raia credited the quick interagency response with averting disaster.
‘Due to the successful partnership of law enforcement agencies in New York, Gann was swiftly brought to justice before he could harm innocent civilians shortly after his dangerous actions became known.’
Investigators say Gann kept at least five bombs on residential rooftops in SoHo, along with four shotgun shells intended for use with the devices. Pictured: Michael Gann on a rooftop in NYC
He was reportedly staying with someone in Inwood – the northernmost part of Manhattan Island – and reportedly tried to return the explosive chemicals to the supplier before his arrest, even asking if he could safely dispose of them.
When taken into custody, he was carrying a shoulder bag containing a homemade bomb, binoculars, a pocketknife, and a torch lighter.
He warned agents not to light a match near it, saying ‘there could be a big fireball,’ court documents reveal.
Gann is charged with one count of attempted destruction of property by means of explosives, a charge which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison.
He was also charged with one count of transportation of explosive materials and one count of unlawful possession of destructive devices – both charges can result in up to 10 year sentences.
The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Dale E. Ho and is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit.