A Long Island man has been charged with manufacturing and possessing at least seven homemade explosive devices in New York City, including one that he allegedly tossed onto the subway tracks of the Williamsburg Bridge, posing a threat to public safety. Federal authorities announced on Tuesday (July 22) that 55-year-old Michael Gann faces a charge of attempting to destroy property with explosives.
According to the criminal complaint, Gann purchased approximately two pounds of potassium chlorate and about one pound of aluminum powder online in May – both of which are precursor chemicals for making explosives. He also bought over 200 paper tubes and more than 50 feet of fuse.
Federal prosecutors stated that after receiving these chemicals and components in early June, Gann began manufacturing explosives on his own, ultimately creating at least seven homemade bombs. He hid some of these bombs on the rooftops of several buildings in the SoHo district and stored at the scene at least four shotgun shells, intending to combine them with the explosive devices. He also threw a homemade bomb onto the subway tracks of the Williamsburg Bridge.
Authorities revealed that Gann had conducted extensive online searches related to explosives and firearms, including inquiries such as “can I pass a background check,” “how to make a chlorine gas bomb,” “3D printed guns,” “M1000 fireworks,” and “half stick of dynamite.”
He had also falsely informed law enforcement that he had disposed of the chemicals and shotgun shells in a trash bin in Manhattan.
Federal prosecutor Jay Clayton stated, “The safety of New Yorkers is our top priority. According to the charges, Gann manufactured explosive devices, hid them on rooftops in the SoHo district, and threw one onto the subway tracks, endangering countless lives. Thanks to the timely intervention of law enforcement personnel, a potential tragedy was averted.”