NYC Man Faces Federal Charges for Homemade Bombs

Explosives Stashed on Subways, Rooftops

A New York resident is now facing federal charges after allegedly manufacturing and concealing a cache of homemade explosive devices throughout New York City, including on subway tracks and building rooftops.

Homemade Explosives Found

Michael Gann is accused of creating at least seven explosive devices. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, stated that Gann utilized chemicals acquired online to construct the devices.

“The safety of New Yorkers is paramount. 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. Thanks to swift work by our law enforcement partners, no one was harmed. That vigilance assuredly prevented a tragedy in New York.”

—Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that Gann allegedly tossed one of the devices onto active subway tracks near the Williamsburg Bridge. Authorities also discovered the explosives, along with shotgun shells, stored on Manhattan residential building rooftops.

In a concerning detail, Gann reportedly misled investigators, claiming he had stored the items in a dumpster.

“This defendant allegedly stockpiled homemade explosives and traveled to New York City with these deadly devices.”

—Jessica Tisch, NYPD Commissioner

Chemicals and Online Activity

The materials used by Gann included “precursor chemicals” such as two pounds of potassium perchlorate and roughly one pound of aluminum powder. He also reportedly purchased over 200 cardboard tubes and more than 50 feet of fuses to construct the devices.

Further investigation revealed that Gann conducted online searches pertaining to firearms and explosives. His social media activity included an Instagram post that read, “Who wants me to go out to play like no tomorrow?”

The risk posed by such devices is significant. In 2023, the FBI reported a 30% increase in reported incidents involving explosives or incendiary devices nationwide.

Potential Penalties

If convicted of the charges, Gann could face a maximum prison sentence of up to 40 years.