A man in Mineola, Long Island, has reportedly turned his basement into a makeshift shooting range, complete with an astonishing collection of homemade firearms, including what some are calling “weapons of mass destruction.” Alarmingly, this setup is very close to several schools.
The individual, Wenlong Chow, 67, allegedly operated this extensive firearms lab not far from Chaminade High School, the soccer field of Mineola School, and an elementary school. Prosecutors claim he had constructed a 25-foot-long shooting range in his basement.
After a year-long investigation involving multiple agencies, Chow was arrested on Wednesday. Police reportedly discovered a remarkable stockpile of weapons during their search.
Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly expressed her concerns, stating, “What’s even more frightening is that this illegal and dangerous activity was occurring in close proximity to several schools.”
Authorities found around ten largely illegal firearms, including seven assault-style rifles, a homemade fully automatic weapon resembling an MP5, and a 9mm ghost gun with illicit components. They also uncovered 78 high-capacity magazines—some hidden in the ceiling—as well as six suppressors and nearly 6,000 rounds of ammunition, not to mention a switch that could convert a semi-automatic rifle into a machine gun.
The only legal firearm discovered was an old bolt-action rifle, according to Donnelly.
Further investigation revealed five lower frames ready for assembly and various components that could potentially produce another MP5-type firearm or modify an AR-style gun into a fully automatic weapon.
Chow had seemingly managed to create a fully operational 25-foot shooting tunnel underground, with walls draped in blue tarps to muffle sound and a thick plywood target marked by bullet holes.
Investigators suspect Chow utilized a suppressor to keep the noise of gunfire from reaching neighbors and local children while testing his weapons.
The inquiry into Chow’s activities began last January based on reports suggesting he frequently ordered gun parts online, acquiring around 112 firearm-related components over the past year. This pattern raised immediate flags for law enforcement, according to Donnelly.
Although Chow had no prior arrests, his handgun license had been revoked in 1999 due to a domestic incident, which added to the concern as law enforcement noticed an alarming trend in his purchases.
Prosecutors are currently assessing whether Chow was merely a gun enthusiast who took things too far or if he had a more ominous agenda. So far, there’s no evidence indicating he sold weapons or was plotting any attacks.
In court on Thursday, Chow pleaded not guilty. His bail was set at $250,000 in cash, $625,000 surety, or $1.25 million partially secured, with a requirement to surrender his passport.
If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 15 years behind bars.
