New York Man Faces Federal Charges for Allegedly Building Bombs

A man from New York is under federal scrutiny after he reportedly constructed and concealed homemade bombs throughout Manhattan, which included active subway trucks and rooftops of residential buildings.

Michael Gann, aged 55 and from Inwood, was charged on Tuesday with the creation of at least seven improvised explosive devices (IEDs) using chemicals bought online. US attorneys for the Southern District of New York confirmed the charges.

“The safety of New Yorkers is our top priority,” said Jay Clayton, an official from the district. He elaborated that “In doubt, Michael Gann built an explosive device, stashed it on a rooftop in Soho, and hurled it onto a subway truck. He endangered countless lives, and thankfully, with the swift action of our law enforcement partners, no one was injured.”

According to officials, Gann’s alleged actions include throwing IEDs onto subway tracks at the Williamsburg Bridge and stockpiling explosives along with shotgun shells in his Manhattan apartment. He was arrested on June 5th while in possession of another device. On Instagram that same day, Gann reportedly asked, “Who would like to go out and play like tomorrow?”

FBI Assistant Director Christopher Leia praised the “quick partnership” among agents that prevented potential harm. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that coordinated efforts helped avert disaster, noting, “The defendant is believed to have hoarded homemade explosives and traveled to New York City with these dangerous devices.” She emphasized that due to the thorough investigative work and quick response from the NYPD and other collaborators, they intervened before he could inflict any damage.

The National Security and International Drugs Force of US Attorneys is leading the prosecution. The legal team consists of US attorneys Jonathan L. Bodansky, Michael D. Lockard, Chelsea L. Sisme, and special US attorney Julie Isaacson.

Gann is facing multiple serious charges, including one count of destruction of property via explosives (with a minimum sentence of five years, extending up to twenty), one count for transporting explosives (which could lead to a penalty of ten years), and one count for illegal possession of a destructive device (up to ten years). The final decision regarding his sentencing will rest with the judge.